The Baltimore Orioles have risen to the top of the American League East standings early in the season, gaining as many wins as almost all other MLB teams except for two.
However, the team has an obvious weakness in the bullpen that could hinder its chances of making a deep playoff run this season.
Star closer Craig Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year Award winner who signed a $13 million deal before the season, has failed to save three games so far, tying him for the third-most blown saves in the league. As a result of his poor performance, the team is considering three potential replacements that they could acquire through trades as the deadline approaches, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“The Baltimore Orioles privately understand that they will need to find a new closer as Craig Kimbrel is struggling,” Nightengale wrote. “They are looking at St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano, and Astros reliever Ryan Pressly, if their teams decide to sell at the deadline.”
Acquiring Ryan Helsley Would Enhance Baltimore Orioles' Bullpen
Among the players mentioned by Nightengale, Helsley is the only one having an exceptional season so far.
In his sixth MLB season, the 29-year-old right-handed pitcher has maintained a 1.50 ERA, recording 19 strikeouts in 18 innings, with 11 saves in an MLB-leading 16 games finished. He is currently under a one-year, $3.8 million deal and will be under club control in 2025 as well.
As a result, he is likely to be highly sought after in trade talks midseason. However, the Cardinals may be open to offers as they are likely moving towards a rebuild.
“Oddly enough, the most valuable (and realistic) trade chip the Cardinals may be able to leverage at this year’s trade deadline may not be a starting pitcher or big time veteran bat, but rather, their elite closer in Ryan Helsley,” Josh Jacobs noted for Redbird Rants. “Two playoff runs with a closer like Helsley is worth a lot on the market, and past deadlines have shown us that.”
Acquiring Jordan Romano, Ryan Pressly May Not Solve the Baltimore Orioles’ Issues
The other players mentioned by Nightengale — Romano and Pressly — have impressive track records but have struggled in the beginning of 2024, similar to Kimbrel.
The 31-year-old Romano, a two-time All-Star, has a 4.15 ERA in just 8.2 innings since coming back from the injured list. He is currently on a one-year, $7.85 million contract for the season.
The 35-year-old Pressly, also a two-time All-Star, has struggled with a 5.65 ERA in 14.1 innings so far this season. He has not recorded any saves as he lost the closer role to Astros’ free agent addition Josh Hader. He is in the second year of a two-year, $30 million contract that includes a vesting option for next year.
Depending on the developments for the remainder of the season, the Orioles may consider various changes to its bullpen. However, it appears almost certain that Kimbrel will not be the preferred closer in an upcoming playoff run.
