As the MLB season approaches the one-month mark since Opening Day, the true identities of teams are starting to take shape. Some franchises have solidified their status as serious contenders for the postseason, while others have found themselves mired in disappointing seasons. Then there’s a group of teams that entered the year with high hopes but have struggled to find their footing. The Baltimore Orioles fall into this latter category, and they have a golden opportunity to pivot their season through trades before the deadline.
One team that could prove pivotal in this regard is the Miami Marlins, who have a valuable asset in pitcher Sandy Alcantara. The hard-throwing right-hander has frequently surfaced in trade discussions, and the time might be ripe for the Marlins to entertain an actual deal.
Despite not having a disastrous start, the Marlins are currently sitting third in the National League East with an 11-12 record. They’ve demonstrated flashes of potential but have also faced challenges that suggest they still have a way to go before they can confidently compete with the top contenders in the league, like the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Alcantara, a Cy Young Award winner, remains the Marlins’ top trade candidate, and moving him could yield a significant return that helps the team finally break free from its rebuilding phase. However, it’s important to note that Alcantara has experienced some struggles early this season, posting an ERA of 7.27, along with 13 strikeouts and 10 walks. Normally, such numbers might raise eyebrows, but let’s not forget the pedigree—this is still Sandy Alcantara we’re talking about. There’s plenty of time for him to regain his form, especially as the season unfolds.
On the flip side, the Baltimore Orioles are in dire need of pitching help. They currently possess the lowest strikeout rate in the league at just 15.4% and have allowed the highest home run rate at 1.86 HR/9 innings. If the recent two-game stretch, during which they were outscored 31-2, is any indication, the pitching woes are suffocating their season. With a record hovering at 9-13, the pressure is mounting on manager Brandon Hyde, whose job security may hinge on making a significant move to bolster the pitching staff.
Acquiring Sandy Alcantara could be a game-changer for the Orioles, particularly if he can return to his previous form. This move wouldn’t just be about securing a top-tier pitcher; it could very well be the key to turning around their season and possibly saving Hyde’s job in the process. With the trade deadline looming, the Orioles’ front office has a critical decision on their hands, one that could shape the trajectory of their franchise for years to come.
