On Monday, we took a look at some names who could help the Orioles in their search for bullpen help. Yesterday, we tried to address the starting rotation issues.
Today, we move on to the next item on Mike Elias’ summer shopping list.
Right Handed DH/Outfielder
The Dream Fit: Luis Robert Jr.
2024 stats: 96 AB, .198/.280/.469, 5 2B, 7 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB, 109 OPS+.
Career: .274/.324/.498, 89 2B, 81 HR, 49 SB, 124 OPS+
This is more of a pipe dream than anything. Luis Robert Jr. is a phenomenon when he is on the field. He has talent and an affordable contract, and when he is on, he has the talent to make this offense the best in Baseball.
However, with the outfield being on fire lately and the huge price tag attached to Robert’s name, this isn’t happening. Especially with the pitching needs, if they are adding offense, it will be a much smaller move. But O’s fans have tossed this one around, so I’d have been remiss to omit Robert.
Fine for the Right Price: Taylor Ward & Connor Joe
Ward: .245/.328/.446, 14 2B, 14 HR, 41 RBI, 116 OPS+
Joe: .239/.318/.395, 14 2B, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 104 OPS+
These two fit basically the same profile: fine enough fielders who crush lefties. Yes, I still am bothered by last year’s playoffs and how the Rangers were able to neutralize the Orioles by throwing a bunch of lefties. It kills the team when Ryan O’Hearn can’t play because they don’t trust him against southpaws (no, I don’t agree with it, but this is the truth.) So, both Taylor Ward and Connor Joe fit the profile. The asking price may be a little high for these two, considering they have multiple years of control, but if that price is right, these two could add a ton of power to this lineup.
Under the Radar: Kevin Pillar
2024 stats: 113 AB, .319/.369/.558, 7 2B, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 157 OPS+
Kevin Pillar has killed the Orioles for years, so why not get him now? He’s had a great season for the Angels, and he would cost next to nothing. He fields, runs, hits, and, most importantly, won’t be a pain in our sides if some other great team acquires him. This is probably one of my favorite options because I always wanted to get a notorious Orioles killer and put him on the team to see what happens.
Outside the Box: Tommy Pham
2024 stats: .271/.347/.388, 8 2B, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 110 OPS+
If you don’t want Tommy Pham, I can’t argue with you. He has massive off-the-field question marks and might not fit the culture the Orioles want. However, I included him for one reason: his postseason resume’.
In 31 career playoff games (115 AB), Pham has hit .313/.333/.513, with five doubles, six homers, and ten RBI.
He just comes through in the biggest of ways and would be an x-factor for a team in the playoffs. As weird as this sounds, he could be why we win or don’t win a World Series. This dude just plays lights out in the postseason. Having a dog who will show up when the time matters shouldn’t be overlooked.
I understand people are going to read this article and say that these players aren’t upgrades. However, I feel like they are. Look, the back of the bullpen and rotation are shaky, and we know this offense can have off nights when it isn’t hitting home runs (see last night’s loss to Cleveland as a perfect example: despite four home runs, and 16 hits, they managed just eight runs, and left 11 on base.
This team needs help, we know that. Whether it’s through a ton of smaller moves that add to something bigger, like the 2021 Braves, or through several big moves, with some having control and some being rentals, like the Rangers last year.
This recent five-game (and counting) skid has been the team’s longest losing streak since before Adley Rutschman was called up and the sweepless streak began in 2022. It’s clear they need to add some parts if they want to contend in October.
The heat is on for the Warehouse and they need to deliver to make this team a true World Series threat.
