About that Trade Deadline, Part 1: Bullpen (2024)

• byJared Pinder

·

• June 24, 2024
• 9:03 am

Share

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Last week, I discussed what I thought were the O’s biggest needs at the trade deadline. Since then, we got more info about the Birds’ pitching that further solidified this one point: if this team is going anywhere, they need a big move. They can’t go into the playoffs with this staff and expect to compete in October. The Orioles will need bigger moves than just 2023’s Fuji and Jack Flaherty if they want to make a deep playoff run. Danny Coloumbe won’t be ready until September, and Kyle Bradish went under the knife for TJS.

This is a great team, but they need help, and it would be really short-sighted of the Warehouse not to support their efforts. Yes, the prices will be high because of the extra wild card that has teams smelling their own stink and thinking they can make a run at the playoffs. This isn’t easy and will require some out-of-the-box thinking, but Mike Elias and his staff are smart, and now, with the backing of an owner who cares about the team, we should set our sights higher for this deadline.

With all that said, let’s get into the names.

Bullpen Moves

Dream Fit: Ryan Helsley

If I was the general manager for the day and I had to make one move, this is the one. Ryan Helsley has been a rock for the Cardinals this year. He has a 2.45 ERA this year and has converted 25 saves out of 26 opportunities. He also fits the high-velocity high-leverage reliever type that this bullpen is begging for. Here is the best part: you have him for next year as well. This could mean that next year, when Craig Kimbrel is gone, you could ease Felix Bautista back into the closer’s role, starting him in a setup role while Helsley closes.

Here is the main issue: the Cardinals aren’t that bad. Despite being mediocre, they only sit a half-a-game out of that final third wild card spot. The Cardinals’ asking price for Helsley is probably extremely high, and they won’t just give him away. Another issue complicating matters is that every single competitive team will be looking for bullpen help. The Yankees and Dodgers are somehow worse than the Orioles’ right now, with the Yankees, in particular, having health issues galore in their pen. This is going to cost you at least Heston Kjerstad plus, if not more, but honestly, it is worth it. Kjerstad should not be untouchable in any trade (and yes I know the Orioles might lose a couple of veteran outfielders next year. Honestly, we can figure that out later.)

Ryan Helsley is the dream acquisition. You just have to hope the Cards don’t demand any of the big three prospects, and if they don’t, it’s on.

Fine for the Right Price: Tanner Scot and Kyle Finnegan/Hunter Harvey

Hey, I know some of these people. The Orioles have reportedly already contacted the Marlins about Tanner Scott, and he is having a nice year so far. While he only has eight saves, he has only blown two. In typical Tanner Scott fashion, they were heartbreaking blown saves. This is why I am not overpaying for Scott. He still worries me every time he takes the mound. Maybe it’s because I remember the bad times with him in Baltimore, but this is not a piece you overpay for.

The Marlins are desperate, and not in a position to demand the moon for the pieces they have to offer. So if he does cost Kjerstad, I say no.

Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan are having good years for the Nationals as well, but the reason they are in this category is, unfortunately, off-the-field concerns. Not for the players themselves, but for the dynamic between the organizations. I still don’t know how comfortable the Nationals are dealing with the Orioles. I understand David Rubenstein is here now, but the Nats might hold grudges and prefer not to see their best players suit up for the Orioles. Washington is also going to want a lot for these two. Also, Harvey, like Scott, just scares me in a high-leverage situation.

Under the Radar: Carlos Estevez

Carlos Estevez is basically a diet version of Scott. I am surprised not to see his name in many rumors despite being a rental. While his ERA is high, he got off to a bad start, inflating it. He probably won’t cost that much – perhaps a Jud Fabian type, but that isn’t much at all. He fits the high-velocity need and would some juice to the back end. He might not be a big name, but he could be a perfect fit for the Orioles, as Anaheim shouldn’t ask for an arm and a leg.

Outside the Box: Ryan Pressley

This is the most controversial one. Ryan Pressley has been dog water for a hilariously bad Astros bullpen. However, I feel like a change of scenery would be just the thing he needs. He wasn’t happy about the Josh Hader signing, and I feel like him having to adapt to a different role has hurt his performance. Here in Baltimore he could be the guy. Pressley would basically cost nothing, despite Houston recently turning things around. It is risky, but is it really as risky as trading the next five years for a guy like Tanner Scott?

"77" Historic Relegation