Baltimore Orioles: Three potential offseason moves
The Baltimore Orioles remain in a rebuilding mode under second-year GM Mike Elias.
It’s easy to say the Baltimore Orioles overperformed in 2020. The club finished fourth in the AL East with a 25-35 record, however, remained in contention for a Wild Card spot late into the season.
Nonetheless, the biggest goal for this rebuilding franchise was to show improvement in 2020. And that was accomplished.
Heading into 2021, the franchise remains in rebuilding mode. There seems to be a more positive outlook in Baltimore, especially under the guidance of second-year GM Mike Elias.
The club enjoyed refreshing looks at a number of its top prospects including Dean Kremer, Keegan Akin, Ryan Mountcastle, and Hanser Alberto. Kremer and Akin both showed good flashes of talent on the mount while Mountcastle and Alberto excelled at the plate. Mountcastle hit .333 with five home runs in 35 games while Alberto hit .283 with 35 runs scored.
Baltimore remains a few years away from contention, however, this offseason is important to remain on track for the rebuild. The Orioles will need to focus on pitching and infield depth, while potentially looking for additional prospects/cheaper free agent targets. Check out three potential offseason moves for the O’s.
Baltimore looks for cheap, veteran starting pitching
After the exciting MLB debuts of Kremer, Akin, and Bruce Zimmermann, the future of Baltimore’s starting pitching staff looks positive. Alex Cobb, at 33-years-old, remains the veteran mainstay in the Orioles rotation. John Means and Jorge Lopez are also viable options to feature in the rotation.
Next year, the Orioles will continue to audition its young talent in Kremer, Akin, and Zimmermann. This leaves a need for starting rotation depth. And what better place to look than finding some veteran talent to pair with the youth.
Wade LeBlanc and Tommy Milone, who the Orioles acquired on minor league deals last season, previously filled this role.
Some notable veteran starting pitchers the Orioles could look to acquire include J.A. Happ, Jake Arrieta, Garrett Richards, or even Mike Minor.
Happ went through another up-and-down season with the New York Yankees in 2020. Notably, his season ended on a sour note after the ALDS game three debacle in which Happ came into relief in just the second inning. Richards enjoyed the best 2020 of the remaining three names, however, may require a multi-year deal.
Arrieta and Minor struggled with plus-5.00 ERAs. If the Orioles are looking to fill rotation depth for the cheapest rate, either of this duo fits the bill.
Is Baltimore in the market for Ha-seong Kim?
The Orioles, even under GM Elias, have not recently been known to go after the bigger name free agents. However, Ha-seong Kim offers a rare opportunity for the franchise.
Kim, recently rated as one of the top 2021 free agents by Call to the Pen, presents a unique opportunity for Baltimore. At face value, he fits a need to add infield depth, especially on the left side of the infield. But how will the Orioles afford one of the higher-rated free agents of the class?
Kim has been a star shortstop for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO. Despite his clear talent, major league clubs often exercise caution for batters lacking experience hitting MLB pitching. Add in the unclear free-agent market after a down-year for club revenues, Kim’s stock may not sell as high as usual.
The 25-year-old offers Baltimore the ability to plug an MLB-level talent immediately on the left side of the infield. Yet, with Baltimore still in rebuild mode, this gives Kim an extended period of time to adjust to MLB pitching, if necessary. Kim is a versatile defender and can easily slot in at either shortstop or third base. This seems like a worthy option for Baltimore to explore.
Orioles acquire prospects for José Iglesias
Last week, the Orioles exercised their $3.5 million club option to retain the rights to veteran shortstop Jose Iglesias. Iglesias is another unique option for Baltimore.
Of course, the club was bullish on bringing the veteran back for another season. Iglesias led the club’s offense in 2020, batting .373 with three homers, 17 doubles, and a .956 OPS in 39 games.
Add in his stellar defensive capabilities, and after a career-year, Iglesias should attract suitors from other MLB clubs. The Orioles may explore the trade market for this veteran shortstop.
As a franchise in rebuilding mode, the Orioles will always look for options to acquire new prospects. While Iglesias’ one-year contract isn’t super team-friendly, he may attract suitors at the trade deadline. Especially clubs in contention needing another bat.
Iglesias may be part of the Orioles’ current equation, however, the 30-year-old doesn’t fit the mold of a rebuilding franchise. If Iglesias gets off to a hot start in 2021, then the Orioles can definitely land some prospects by dealing him at the deadline.