Yesterday, we took a look at some names who could help the Orioles in their search for bullpen help.
Today, we move on to the next item on Mike Elias’ summer shopping list.
Rotation Moves
Dream Fit: Garrett Crochet
2024 stats: 6-6, 3.05 ERA, 94.1 IP, 10 HR, 130 K, 20 BB, 2.54 FIP, 134 ERA+, 1.9 BB/9, 12.4 K/9
This is the fan-favorite move right now by a large margin. Ever since we got the news on Kyle Bradish, the main focus has shifted away from the bullpen and towards getting a starter that can provide Bradish-like upside. While I like Garrett Crochet, he worries me. He’s already reached the most innings he has ever pitched in a major league season. He has had a difficult time staying healthy with multiple surgeries already under his belt. Beyond that, this move will probably cost one of Coby Mayo or Samuel Basallo, and I am not making that move for a guy with injury concerns.
The upside is tantalizing, but Crochet scares me. I wonder if he is even available, and in the case that he is, the cost is likely too high for my – or Elias’ – taste.
Fine for the Right Price: Jesus Luzardo
2024 stats: 3-6, 5.00 ERA, 66.2 IP, 9 HR, 58 K, 22 BB, 4.25 FIP, 88 ERA+, 3.0 BB/9, 7.8 K/9
Jesus Luzardo has been an Orioles target for some time now, as they apparently offered the Marlins Joey Ortiz for him before they got Corbin Burnes last winter. However, this year has been a disaster for Luzardo. He has a high ERA, the walks are up, the strikeouts are down, and the velocity is dropping. To add injury to insult, he just missed a start due to a back problem and is currently day-to-day.
The Marlins might have missed their shot at selling high on Luzardo because I can’t see a team giving up a top-five prospect for him at this point. This is why he finds himself here in this section. I believe Luzardo is much better than those numbers indicate, but I am not giving up anything close to a top-five prospect for him.
Maybe a Connor Norby plus a top 20 guy, but that is it.
Under the Radar: Eric Fedde
2024 stats: 5-2, 3.05 ERA, 94.1 IP, 10 HR, 84 K, 24 BB, 3.53 FIP, 134 ERA+, 2.3 BB/9, 8.2 K/9
If there’s one starting pitcher I want, it would be this guy. Eric Fedde was a failed pitcher for the Nationals before going over to Korea and figuring something out. He ditched his four-seamer for a sinker to mix with his plus breaking ball. A pitcher with a nasty sinker and breaking ball, you say? Where have I heard that before? If you have to replace Bradish, here’s your guy.
The price for Fedde is a bit of an unknown. He has control beyond this year, so Chicago can ask for more. If they demand Heston Kjerstad, are you giving that up for a guy who, two years ago, looked like his MLB days were over? Personally, I would.
But who knows, he might not cost that much. Fedde might be the one, Orioles fans. Learn the name.
Outside the Box: Luis Severino & Sean Manaea
Severino: 5-2, 3.29 ERA, 90.1 IP, 117 ERA+, 3.93 FIP, 3.1 BB/9, 7.1 K/9
Manaea: 4-3, 4.16 ERA, 71.1. IP, 92 ERA+, 3.73 FIP, 3.7 BB/9, 9.2 K/9
Luis Severino and Sean Manaea are the ones that are going to generate the most debate. A ton of Orioles fans are going to look at these names and say that these players aren’t upgrades.
However, I believe they are. While Albert Suarez’s ERA is still good, these last three starts have terrified me. He isn’t getting whiffs like he used to, and now teams are sitting on his fastball and rocking him. Cade Povich is still developing, and Cole Irvin has been disappointing in back-to-back starts. Severino or Manaea would push either of these three to the bullpen for long relief, and they won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Throwing a wrench in things here is that the Mets have MLB’s best record in June and are 1.5 games back in the NL Wild Card. Unless the wheels fall off again, they likely aren’t looking to deal.
Any of the players named here would help the O’s precarious starting pitching situation. It’s just a matter of how much of the future Mike Elias is willing to give up.
