How Orioles are more likely to sign elite free agent pitcher after Shane Baz trade

Matt Sullivan

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How Orioles are more likely to sign elite free agent pitcher after Shane Baz trade image

The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the most active teams so far this winter. They've brought in a lot of talent, spent a lot of money, and look to be AL contenders once again.

But, they're likely not done adding just yet. After their latest move, a blockbuster trade for Shane Baz with the Tampa Bay Rays, the next move for Baltimore is a lot more interesting.

While another starter is an option for Baltimore, there was a hurdle in getting a contract done. But now, that hurdle might not exist. As Brian Hearn on Twitter/x posted, the Orioles might now be better suited than ever for an elite starting pitcher free agent.

How Orioles are more likely to sign elite SP free agent after Shane Baz trade

"Interesting Orioles wrinkle I haven't seen anyone talk about." Hearn writes. "Singing Valdez/Saurez costs them their 3rd-highest pick. Before yesterday, that was pick #46. After the Baz trade, it is now pick #83."

In the Baz trade with the Rays, the Orioles included their Competitve Balance Round A pick. Now, with that pick in Tampa Bay, the draft picks with Baltimore look a bit different.

That's important for the Orioles, as the top free agent starters, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen, all have Qualifying Offers attached to them.

If a team signs one of those players, it would lose a draft pick, specifically, its third-highest pick. For Baltimore, thanks to some extra selections, that pick was #46 overall.

More: Orioles 'perfect' free agent match is a 3.66 ERA lefty ace from AL West

But, as Hearn points out, now that the Baz trade is complete, and the Competitive Balance Round A pick is gone, that third-highest pick is now #83 overall.

This is a significant difference and opens the door to the Orioles now having more reason than ever to sign one of the top free agent pitchers.

Suarez, Valdez, or Gallen would be a quality addition to the Orioles rotation. And while they might've gone after one of these pitchers anyway, the trade of Baz has now allowed the Orioles to fear the draft pick loss a lot less than they did before this trade.

Mike Elias, including the draft pick in the trade for Baz, might be the difference between the Orioles being comfortable signing a top free agent pitcher or not.

If the Baz trade wasn't exciting enough already, this little wrinkle could wind up being what sparks the Orioles to land another one of the top remaining free agents on the market.

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Contributing Writer