SAD News: Baltimore Orioles’ Trade Prospect’s Season Cut Short by…
The Orioles have started the season strong, which was necessary given the high expectations that were placed on them going into the season.
Perhaps the most impressive part of their 5-2 start going into Saturday’s game was their ability to win without two of their projected starters available.
With the Baltimore Orioles likely becoming buyers at the trade deadline, one of their potential targets is no longer available after undergoing surgery.
This rotation ought to improve to the degree that was anticipated in the spring when backend player Kyle Bradish, their No. 2 pitcher, returns.
Even if the Orioles replenish their roster, the front office will probably make trade deadline acquisitions to strengthen this rotation even further.
Former AL Cy Young winner and current Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber is one player they may have targeted. The talented right-hander had made two appearances and was off to a tremendous start, pitching 12 scoreless innings and striking out a Major League-high 20 batters.
As Bieber was in the last year of his contract and about to become a free agent, several insiders saw him as a top trade target in the event that the Guardians were unable to make the playoffs.
Sadly, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports that the righty will now miss the rest of the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his arm. This eliminates a key player who Baltimore may have tried to sign as a short-term rental to elevate them to the level of legitimate contenders.
Even if Bradish and Means become healthy again, the front office will probably still be searching for starting pitchers, but if Bieber becomes unavailable in 2024, they will have to look elsewhere.