Usually, a new club that a rental acquisition underperforms for wants no part of a reunion. However, a source briefed on the Baltimore Orioles’ thinking stated that they would not rule out trading for Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty again.
After being acquired by the Orioles from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline the previous year, Flaherty, 28, was by no means a success, but Baltimore officials acknowledged that he was pitching in an unusual situation. Due to injuries, he had only combined for 154 2/3 innings over the previous three seasons; by now, he had already thrown 109 2/3 innings. The Orioles were aware that he might tire, but they did not have many options in a small market. Therefore, it was hardly shocking when Flaherty gave up a 6.75 ERA in 34 2/3 innings.
The Orioles’ issue with Flaherty is that, once again, he is a rental, and Baltimore would be better served by a reliable starter. Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer, two of their current pitchers, may be the only ones who can be counted on to be in their Opening Day rotation in 2025. Free agency is available to Corbin Burnes. Following significant elbow surgeries, three more players—Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and John Means—who is also a possible free agent, will be convalescing.
However, controlled beginnings are very hard to come by. Within the industry, there is a belief that Garrett Crochet might not be traded by the Chicago White Sox, and Tarik Skubal by the Tigers is unlikely to be traded. With his ERA down to 2.95 on Wednesday, Flaherty may be the best starter moved. And other teams might outbid the Orioles given the high desire for starting pitchers.
According to reports, the Orioles are not only looking for a starting pitcher but also monitoring almost every quality reliever that is available and showing interest in some of their older position players.
Ryan Mountcastle, the first baseman, is arguably the most likely to depart from the latter group. Anthony Santander, Ramón Urías, and Ryan O’Hearn can all play first. Top prospect Coby Mayo, a corner infielder who entered Wednesday batting.297 with 19 home runs and a.967 OPS at Triple A, would also have a space freed up by moving Mountcastle.
A trade of center fielder Cedric Mullins would appear less likely.
Marlins listening on all relievers
The Miami Marlins, who are 37-65, have not enjoyed a distinct advantage over their opponents in many areas this season. However, Miami is starting to emerge as a top team in need of bullpen support as Tuesday’s trade deadline draws closer.
Miami has had calls on almost all of its relievers, including Tanner Scott, a lefty who the Marlins fully anticipate to trade. All of them are available regardless of salary or remaining years of control.
“Everyone in the bullpen is open for conversation,” an industry source said. “Every single guy, control or no control. Pick a name, and people have inquired.”
The Marlins have one of the best bullpens in the National League, but because of their terrible record, most people do not know this. That extends beyond Scott, who is currently the most sought-after member of the Marlins bullpen and is perhaps the greatest reliever available.
“Teams are going in hard (on Scott),” one source said.
Teams have also asked questions concerning Anthony Bender (2027) and A.J. Puk (under contract through 2026). They have even gone so far as to find out how much Andrew Nardi (2028) and Declan Cronin (2029) are asking for.
“(Miami) has so many guys that are under control,” the source said. “Smart teams want to win this year and next year.“
In his first trade deadline as president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix is expected to be among the league’s busiest executives. However, he is taking his time starting his fire sale since he is adamant that his club has sway over the relief industry.
“They want to wait for the best and final offer, which usually comes hours before the deadline,” a source familiar with the club’s thinking said. “Most likely it’s going to be hours before to find out the best and final type deal.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s market remains fluid
Even more surprising than the industry’s interest in Miami’s relievers is the development surrounding Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s market. Only three or four teams are interested in Chisholm, and even then, their interest changes.
According to a source, teams view Chisholm as a “safety net,” with “option two or three” being the prevailing level of interest. Some teams have expressed concern over Chisholm’s endurance and composition. The Marlins still plan to move Chisholm, though they think it will probably come down to the last day because there are not many hitters on the market.
It is almost a given that Miami will be among baseball’s top sellers. They are ready to be the most patient, though.
(Top photo of Jack Flaherty: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images)
