Orioles Floated Among 4 Trade Partners for Projected $247 Million Ace
Despite winning 12 of their first 19 games, the team’s outlook isn’t as bright as Baltimore Orioles fans would like, thanks to pitching inconsistency. Is a blockbuster trade the only fix?
Arguably no team is better suited to pull off such a deal, with the Orioles home to four of MLB’s top-100 prospects.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield linked Baltimore to Seattle Mariners ace Logan Gilbert in an April 16 column.
“Trading Gilbert,” Schoenfield wrote. “Who is under team control through 2026 and whose contract starts getting expensive next season, could jump-start that by landing them the impact hitter this lineup desperately needs. In that case, turn to the Orioles, Cubs, Yankees and Dodgers as potential trade partners.”
Gilbert has started four games for Seattle in 2024. He’s allowed four home runs, but thrown 29 strikeouts and averaged a 2.33 ERA.
He’d provide another starting ace for Baltimore, who acquired Corbin Burnes on February 2. One they might need, if they’re going to build off of their 2023 flame out in the AL Divisonal Series.
Gilbert in Line for Massive Extension
According to Stathead, 114 pitchers have appeared in four games and are averaging an ERA of 2.5 or lower this season.
Among them, only Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles has more strikeouts (30) than Gilbert (29).
The Seattle starter signed a one-year deal for $4.5 million in January of 2024, meaning he’s up for an extension. If nothing else, he and the Mariners will have to negotiate another one-year deal ahead of 2025.
Spotrac has Gilbert’s projected extension value at nine years and $238-million, which averages out to $26.4 million annually.
Top of the rotation starter Corbin Burnes is making $15.6 million for the Orioles this season, for added perspective.
If he signed for that number today, he’d be the ninth-highest paid pitcher in MLB.
As a Super Two player, Gilbert is in arbitration. His 2024 contract is the first year he’s signed to avoid negotiations.
Will he do the same in 2025? Or are both sides better off seeking a trade?
A struggling Orioles pitching staff would certainly welcome a player of Gilbert’s caliber.
Orioles Bullpen the Weakest Link
Baltimore has been down one starter in 2024 in Kyle Bradish. That’s put Tyler Wells into the starting rotation, and weakened their bullpen.
The Orioles have given up 22 home runs this season, which ranks 11th in MLB.