The Baltimore Orioles recently added more than eight top fan-favorite players.
Among the notable moves, Garrett Crochet was traded to the Orioles, along with several others, such as Tarik Skubal or Blake Snell.
The Orioles bolstered their roster by adding four pitchers: two starters and two relievers, with a balance of left and right-handers. However, they did not secure any of the most sought-after players.
There were no blockbuster trades or major prospects exchanged. The highest-rated prospect traded was infielder Connor Norby, ranked No. 5 by MLBPipeline.com.
The Orioles’ rotation now likely includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, and left-hander Trevor Rogers. Rogers was acquired for Norby and Kyle Stowers, who were sent to Miami. Stowers is expected to get significant playing time, while Norby will focus on improving his skills at third base.
Rogers has been a reliable pitcher with a career ERA+ of 101. The Orioles hope he continues his recent strong performance, having allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of his last nine starts.
During this period, he has maintained a 3.17 ERA, with opponents hitting .237 against him and a .702 OPS. Rogers is not known for high velocity, averaging 92.0 mph with his fastball, and relies on pitching to contact, averaging 7.3 strikeouts and 3.9 walks per nine innings this season. He has pitched six or more innings just four times this year.
Rogers is under team control through 2026 and is earning $1.53 million this season via arbitration. The Orioles traded prospects for a controllable starter with a low salary, securing a valuable addition to their rotation for the coming seasons.
The Orioles have also seen reliever Seranthony Dominguez perform well, pitching scoreless innings twice against San Diego and again last night. Now, they have added left-hander Gregory Soto to their bullpen.
Soto was acquired in exchange for minor league pitchers Seth Johnson and Moises Chace. Soto has posted a 2-4 record with a 4.08 ERA for the Phillies.
Under team control through 2025, Soto is a powerful pitcher, averaging 97.7 mph with his fastball, ranking in the top four percent of MLB. He has closing experience, having saved 30 games in 33 opportunities with the 2022 Tigers. Soto also excels in generating groundballs and was an All-Star with Detroit in 2021 and 2022.
Recently, Soto has been pitching better, allowing six earned runs over his last 19 innings since June 1, resulting in a 2.84 ERA and .691 OPS during that span.
In conclusion, the Baltimore Orioles have made strategic additions to their roster, acquiring both promising young talent and experienced players to strengthen their team for the future. With these moves, they have enhanced their pitching staff and are poised to be more competitive in the coming seasons.
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