Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This is a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching staff, which has already been hit hard by injuries.
John Means and Tyler Wells have also required elbow surgeries, while Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current pitching lineup includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Entering Wednesday, this group ranked third in the league in rotation ERA.
Albert Suárez has been a particularly bright spot in the rotation, providing much-needed stability and consistency during a challenging season.
Potential Trade Candidates
With Bradish out for the season and several other pitchers recovering from injuries, the Orioles may look to strengthen their rotation through trades. A number of potential trade candidates could help bolster the team's pitching staff.
Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118, stands out as a strong option. Paul Blackburn, although recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, has been a league-average starter since 2022 and could contribute once healthy. Tyler Anderson, while owed over $20 million through next season, could provide experienced depth to the rotation.
Other intriguing options include Erick Fedde, whose recent performance has drawn attention, and Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, which could be a consideration in trade discussions.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill both offer another year of team control after this season, making them valuable assets. Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, although he has struggled with his ERA.
Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, could also be a target despite dealing with a shoulder impingement. Garrett Crochet, with a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider, boasts an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a highly appealing option for the Orioles.
Strategic Importance of Trades
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the challenges of the season. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete. By acquiring the right pitchers, the team can reinforce its rotation and maintain its competitive edge.
In summary, while the loss of Kyle Bradish and the injuries to other key pitchers present significant challenges, the Orioles have managed to stay competitive. The current rotation has performed admirably, but adding one or more of the potential trade candidates could provide the depth and stability needed to make a strong push for the remainder of the season. The Orioles' front office will need to carefully evaluate their options and make strategic moves to ensure the team's continued success.