A 101-win team a year ago, the Baltimore Orioles have shown no signs of slowing down in 2024. The team is off to a 43-22 start — a better winning percentage than in 2023 — but finds itself 2.5 games back in the AL East due to an even more prolific opening stretch from the New York Yankees, who lead MLB in wins.
The Orioles should still easily make the playoffs, but winning their division for the second year in a row will prove challenging. As Baltimore pursues its first World Series title since 1983, here are three early MLB trade deadline targets for the Orioles.
With All-Star closer Felix Bautista out for the 2024 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, the Orioles signed future Hall-of-Famer Craig Kimbrel. The 36 year old had a two-week slump spanning the end of April and the beginning of May in which he allowed five runs in six appearances, but has only given up one earned run outside of that stretch.
Kimbrel has paired with another All-Star, Yennier Cano, to form one of the best late-inning combos in baseball this year. The rest of the bullpen has also pitched well, but historically, Keegan Akin and Jacob Webb have played below the level they have shown in 2024.
Center field
Three years ago, Cedric Mullins notched the 21st 30-30 season in MLB history, earning an All-Star Game invitation while finishing ninth in the MVP race. He failed to reach those heights in the subsequent seasons but has been an above-average center fielder for the O’s.
Unfortunately, Mullin has dropped off entirely in 2024. While he does have 13 stolen bases, he is batting just .175 with a .532 OPS and a career-worst strikeout rate of 25.6%. His expected batting average of .195 and expected slugging of .300 are just as bad — signs a turnaround is not imminent for Mullins.
Orioles trade targets
Kenley Jansen (RP), Boston Red Sox
The Orioles could use a reliable reliever outside the talented duo of Craig Kimbrel and Yennier Cano. Kenley Jansen is second among active MLB players with 429 saves — just two behind Baltimore Kimbrel — and has converted 86.8% of his save chances since the start of 2022.
Even at age 36, the Boston closer is still dominant. Opponents are batting just .200 versus his cutter this year with three extra-base hits. Bringing in Kenley Jansen gives Baltimore another reliable high-leverage pitcher — a necessity for the short turnarounds the O’s will face in the postseason and the depth issues it could come up against down the stretch.
Luis Robert Jr. (OF), Chicago White Sox
When healthy, Luis Robert is one of the best center fielders in baseball. Last year, Robert played 145 games, hitting 38 homers, stealing 20 bases, and finishing with a .857 OPS. He was an All-Star and finished 12th in the AL MVP voting. This year, Robert has played in only 13 of the White Sox’s 67 games.
The White Sox have seemingly dangled Robert in the trade market for the last few seasons, is this the year they finally let him go?
Tommy Pham (OF), Chicago White Sox
If the Orioles want a more affordable and dependable outfield option, then Tommy Pham should be strongly considered. Pham has consistently been a threat to reach 15 homers and 20 stolen bases in a season throughout his career while demonstrating an above-average ability to get on base. This season, Pham ranks in the 90th percentile in expected batting average and the 81st percentile in average exit velocity.
While he is currently on the IL with an ankle injury, Pham is back on a re had assignment and would be an ideal low-cost outfield addition for a World Series contender like the O’s.
