From the starters to the bullpen, pitching has been a roller coaster for the Baltimore Orioles. They’re anticipated to look for help around the MLB trade deadline.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand considers the Orioles as a destination for Colorado Rockies starter Cal Quantrill.
In a June 22nd essay, he mentioned Baltimore, the Minnesota Twins, and the San Diego Padres as possible destinations for the sixth-year pitcher.
“It’s not common for the Rockies to have a starting pitcher to deal around Deadline time,” Feinsand stated in an email. “And although Quantrill has another year of control (he’s arbitration-eligible for a fourth and final time next winter), Colorado might look to seize on his strong first half in a pitching needy market.”
Quantrill is 6-5 in 2024, allowing 9 home runs in 90 innings pitched. He has 64 strikeouts and a 3.50 ERA for Colorado.
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Orioles Pitching Staff is Banged Up
As of June 23, the Orioles are without Danny Cuolombe (likely out until September), Dean Kremer (rehabbing), Kyle Bradish (season-ending injury), John Means (season-ending injury), and Tyler Wells. That’s four starters plus the team’s best reliever.
The need for more pitching cannot be ignored. Mike Elias, the general manager, is likely to be an active bidder before the July 30 trade deadline. He and the Baltimore front management will consider all options.
“We’re looking at the whole picture when it comes to the trade deadline,” Elias told reporters on June 19. “Where our team is, how healthy we are, where we can improve, how the market looks, which teams are selling, and what they are asking for. It’s very complicated. It’s really difficult for me to make broad statements and opinions about it, especially in June. But I believe we have a very good, hardworking front office, and we will do our jobs.”
However, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, any transaction will exclude top prospects.
“The Orioles are focused on improving their bullpen,” Bowden wrote on June 11. “But plan on doing it without giving up any of their top four or five prospects.”
Quantrill is only one option for the Orioles to consider. And pitching isn’t their sole roster need.
Baltimore Listed as Fit for Kevin Pillar
Baltimore is seeking for a right-handed batter to play in the outfield, according to Bowden.
“They’re (Orioles) also looking to add a right-handed-hitting fourth outfielder type with Tommy Pham of the White Sox being a possibility,” said Bowden on June 11.
In his June 22 column, Feinsand suggested that the Orioles consider Kevin Pillar of the Los Angeles Angels.
“He (Pillar) will become a free agent after the season,” Feinsand wrote. “And while the 35-year-old’s best days are behind him, he’s had a resurgence since joining Los Angeles, posting a .959 OPS with six homers and 25 RBIs in 33 games.”
However, with Cedric Mullins breaking his slump, it’s uncertain whether an outfielder is still a priority for Baltimore. He broke a 127-game home run skid in a 17-5 victory over the Yankees.
However, both he and Pillar are right-handed hitters. If they’re looking for a left-hander, the aforementioned Tommy Pham might be their best option.
