Baltimore Orioles open to moving Andrew Cashner

The Baltimore Orioles have moved away from their earlier stance, and could be willing to part with Andrew Cashner before the trade deadline.

Towards the end of June, the Baltimore Orioles had indicated that they were unwilling to part ways with Andrew Cashner. Although they are in the midst of a rebuild, the Orioles are desperate for anything resembling major league quality pitching.

However, that stance may be subject to change. Although the Orioles are starved for major league caliber pitching, the Orioles could consider parting ways with Cashner, as it has been reported that general manager Mike Elias is checking on his market.

Cashner’s potential value as a trade chip is a bit of a surprise. Signed to a two year deal with a team option for 2020, he struggled in his first year with the Orioles, posting a 4-15 record with a 5.29 ERA and a 1.582 WHiP, striking out 99 batters with 65 walks in his 153 innings. Yes, a part of those struggles could have been explained by his relatively late signing, but Cashner was yet another disaster for the Orioles free agent moves in 2018.

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Those struggles continued into the beginning of 2019. Heading into June, Cashner had a 5.04 ERA and a 1.450 WHiP, striking out 48 batters with 25 walks in 64.1 innings. On the positive side, his option was set to be declined, leaving the Orioles with only three more months of Cashner being in the rotation.

Then June happened. In that time, Cashner suddenly turned into a potential trade chip, posting a 1.44 ERA and a 0.800 WHiP over his 25 innings, striking out 15 with only four walks. Although Cashner would be hard pressed to continue that level of competence, he could be a reasonable back of the rotation arm for a team desperate for rotation help.

However, there is one major obstacle to actually trading Cashner. He loves being a part of the Orioles, to the point where he is considering retirement if he is dealt at the deadline. Cashner also had the same feelings when he was traded to the Marlins in 2016, which is a completely understandable sentiment.

If a team does end up making a deal for the Orioles righty, they may need to convince him to report. Perhaps picking up his option, which would also vest with another 97.2 innings this season, would be enough. But is that the type of investment that a team would want to make in a back of the rotation arm?

The Baltimore Orioles are now willing to part ways with Andrew Cashner. The question is whether or not Cashner will accept being traded should a deal manifest.