Will the Orioles Trade for an Ace? Here’s Who They Might Be Targeting
The Baltimore Orioles’ ascent from rebuilding to playoff contender has been one of the most exciting developments in Major League Baseball over the past few seasons. With a solid foundation of young talent, an impressive farm system, and an emerging core of star players, the Orioles are knocking on the door of becoming a perennial powerhouse. But if there’s one area that still seems to be a potential hurdle in their quest for a World Series title, it’s their starting rotation. While the Orioles have some promising arms, many believe they need an ace—an established, top-of-the-rotation pitcher—if they are to take the next step and compete for a championship. As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles could be looking to add such a pitcher to their roster. So, who are the likely targets they might consider, and will they pull the trigger?
The State of the Orioles’ Rotation
Before diving into potential trade targets, it’s important to evaluate the current state of the Orioles’ rotation. In 2023, the team saw improvements in its pitching staff, largely driven by the development of some key young arms, including Kyle Gibson, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer. However, the Orioles’ rotation still falls short in comparison to some of the top competitors in the American League. As promising as some of their pitchers are, there’s no clear-cut ace who can dominate opposing lineups every fifth day.
The Orioles also benefit from a strong bullpen and a high-powered offense, both of which have helped them remain competitive throughout the season. But in the postseason, where pitching takes center stage, an ace can make all the difference in ensuring a team advances deep into October. With the Orioles having a legitimate chance at contending for the postseason—and possibly even a World Series—a trade for an ace could elevate their championship aspirations.
Why the Orioles Need an Ace
The American League East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The reigning World Series champion Houston Astros, along with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays, all have potent lineups and strong pitching staffs. While the Orioles boast a solid offensive core led by stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins, it is their pitching that could ultimately determine their fate in October.
An ace provides stability to the rotation, a pitcher who can take the mound in Game 1 of a postseason series and give the team a legitimate chance to win. Without that kind of top-tier arm, a team may struggle to match up with stronger rotations come playoff time. Even with the depth and potential that the Orioles’ young arms bring to the table, a front-line starter is the missing piece in their quest for a championship.
Potential Trade Targets for the Orioles
With the need for an ace clear, who are the likely candidates the Orioles might target? Here’s a look at some of the best options available on the trade market:
1. Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers)
One of the most obvious targets for the Orioles would be Corbin Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner. Burnes has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the last few seasons and has been a staple of the Brewers’ rotation. His ability to miss bats with a devastating slider and generate strikeouts makes him an ideal candidate for any team looking for an ace.
Burnes is under team control through 2024, meaning he could be a rental for a playoff push or a longer-term investment if the Orioles feel confident in his long-term fit. The Brewers are typically a small-market team that needs to balance payroll, and they could be open to trading Burnes for a package of young talent.
For the Orioles, Burnes would provide an immediate upgrade at the top of the rotation, a proven pitcher with postseason experience. While the Brewers may not be in full rebuild mode, a strong trade package from the Orioles—perhaps including some top prospects like Jackson Holliday or Colton Cowser—could entice Milwaukee to part ways with their ace.
2. Shane Bieber (Cleveland Indians)
Another ace who could be available is Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Indians. Bieber won the 2020 American League Cy Young Award and has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league. He has a reputation for consistency and control, and despite battling injuries in recent seasons, he remains a highly effective pitcher when healthy.
Bieber’s contract is also up after the 2024 season, which could make him a valuable trade chip for the Indians if they are not in playoff contention by the time the trade deadline arrives. His low strikeout numbers could be a concern for some, but his ability to generate weak contact and pitch deep into games makes him a great fit for a team like the Orioles that relies on defense.
3. Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners)
Luis Castillo is another intriguing option for the Orioles. The right-hander was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Cincinnati Reds in a deal that shook up the trade market during the 2022 season. Castillo has been excellent for the Mariners and possesses a combination of elite velocity and movement on his fastball, making him one of the more feared pitchers in the league.
Castillo would immediately slot into the Orioles’ rotation as their No. 1 pitcher and provide them with a weapon that could match up with the best teams in the AL. With the Mariners having a solid rotation and a potential playoff spot in sight, they could be inclined to trade Castillo if their season takes an unexpected turn. However, the cost for Castillo would likely be high, and the Orioles would have to be ready to part with top prospects in exchange for his services.
4. Max Fried (Atlanta Braves)
Max Fried is another ace who could potentially be on the market, though his situation is a bit more complex. Fried has been a key part of the Atlanta Braves’ dominant rotation for several years and was a pivotal piece in their 2021 World Series run. His mix of command and elite pitch movement has made him one of the best pitchers in the National League.
However, Fried is currently under arbitration and set to hit free agency in 2025. If the Braves are in danger of losing him to free agency without a contract extension, they might consider moving him for a significant return. With the Braves in contention, they may be hesitant to trade him midseason, but a deal for Fried could make sense for both parties if the Orioles are willing to meet the Braves’ asking price.
5. Jack Flaherty (St. Louis Cardinals)
While not on the same level as some of the other top aces, Jack Flaherty of the St. Louis Cardinals could be a cost-effective option for the Orioles. Flaherty has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, and despite battling injuries in recent seasons, he still possesses excellent stuff. A change of scenery could benefit Flaherty, and a trade to a team like the Orioles could revitalize his career.
The Cardinals have been in a bit of a downward spiral, and moving Flaherty—who will be a free agent after the 2024 season—could be in their best interest. While not an elite ace, Flaherty could be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 option behind some of the Orioles’ other promising arms.
