The Baltimore Orioles, currently vying for the title of the best MLB team in 2024, are exploring ways to further enhance their roster as the trade deadline approaches. One proposed blockbuster trade, put forth by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, involves sending outfield prospect Heston Kjerstad to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for relievers Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith.
The rationale behind potentially trading away Kjerstad, the Orioles’ No. 4 prospect, lies in the team’s crowded outfield at the major league level and the presence of other promising players waiting in the wings. While Kjerstad shows great potential, the Orioles may benefit from strengthening other areas of their roster by leveraging his value in a trade.
Although the Orioles’ bullpen has performed decently this season, the addition of Gaddis and Smith could inject youth and talent into the pitching staff. Gaddis, 26, has showcased a 2.87 ERA in 2024 and is under team control until 2029. While some metrics suggest he may regress slightly, his overall performance indicates he could be a reliable arm for the Orioles in the coming years.
On the other hand, the standout in this trade for the Orioles would be 25-year-old Cade Smith, who has impressed with a 2.30 ERA and 1.43 FIP in his initial 16 appearances. Smith’s debut for the Cleveland Guardians was remarkable, setting a record for the most strikeouts in a debut of two innings or less by striking out five Oakland batters in just two innings.
Acquiring Gaddis and Smith would bolster the Orioles’ bullpen with two promising arms, potentially elevating their pitching performance. While parting ways with a top prospect like Kjerstad is a significant move, the depth and quality of options behind him make him a more expendable asset in this trade scenario.
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