5 Starting Pitchers The Baltimore Orioles Should Target At Trade Deadline

5 Starting Pitchers The Baltimore Orioles Should Target At Trade Deadline

By Ben Linton

July 19, 2015

5 Starting Pitchers The Baltimore Orioles Should Target At Trade Deadline

Scott Kazmir — The Baltimore Orioles are in the middle of the race for both the AL East division title and wild card, currently 4.5 games back of each spot. In order to improve in the second half of the season, the Orioles should considering adding another starting pitcher at the trade deadline. While its highly unlikely for Baltimore to land the big names like Cueto and Hamels, there are plenty of reliable options to provide a boost down the stretch.

The Baltimore Orioles are in the middle of the race for both the AL East division title and wild card, currently 4.5 games back of each spot. In order to improve in the second half of the season, the Orioles should considering adding another starting pitcher at the trade deadline. While its highly unlikely for Baltimore to land the big names like Cueto and Hamels, there are plenty of reliable options to provide a boost down the stretch.

5. Mat Latos

Mat Latos

5. Mat Latos

Mat Latos — Latos has been a disappointment for the Miami Marlins this season, but is a better pitcher than his 4.90 ERA suggests. The 27-year-old has a 3.45 ERA in his career and a solid 8.1 K/9. Latos has injury concerns, but his velocity is beginning to return to normal. The Orioles could capitalize on his first-half struggles for a relatively cheap price.

Latos has been a disappointment for the Miami Marlins this season, but is a better pitcher than his 4.90 ERA suggests. The 27-year-old has a 3.45 ERA in his career and a solid 8.1 K/9. Latos has injury concerns, but his velocity is beginning to return to normal. The Orioles could capitalize on his first-half struggles for a relatively cheap price.

4. Andrew Cashner

Andrew Cashner

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4. Andrew Cashner

Andrew Cashner — Cashner is another power pitcher that has disappointed this season with a 3-10 record and 4.10 ERA. His 2015 numbers are well above his career averages of 3.43 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 7.4 K/9. At 28 years old, Cashner still has plenty of potential and upside that Baltimore could acquire at a reasonable price.

Cashner is another power pitcher that has disappointed this season with a 3-10 record and 4.10 ERA. His 2015 numbers are well above his career averages of 3.43 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 7.4 K/9. At 28 years old, Cashner still has plenty of potential and upside that Baltimore could acquire at a reasonable price.

3. Mike Leake

Mike Leake

3. Mike Leake

Mike Leake — Johnny Cueto will be the grand prize at the trade deadline, but his asking price could be astronomical. Leake has a 7-5 record with a 3.95 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season for the Cincinnati Reds, who hold plenty of enticing trade chips right now. The Orioles wouldn't have to give up nearly as much to acquire Leake than Cueto, making him a more likely possibility at the deadline.

Johnny Cueto will be the grand prize at the trade deadline, but his asking price could be astronomical. Leake has a 7-5 record with a 3.95 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season for the Cincinnati Reds, who hold plenty of enticing trade chips right now. The Orioles wouldn't have to give up nearly as much to acquire Leake than Cueto, making him a more likely possibility at the deadline.

2. Mike Fiers

Mike Fiers

2. Mike Fiers

Mike Fiers — Fiers is an underrated pitcher on the Milwaukee Brewers, holding a 5-7 record with a 3.79 ERA this season. He has the potential to become a strikeout artist, which is displayed by his 8.92 K/9 in 2015. Fiers would be an interesting, under-the-radar acquisition for the Orioles at the trade deadline.

Fiers is an underrated pitcher on the Milwaukee Brewers, holding a 5-7 record with a 3.79 ERA this season. He has the potential to become a strikeout artist, which is displayed by his 8.92 K/9 in 2015. Fiers would be an interesting, under-the-radar acquisition for the Orioles at the trade deadline.

1. Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir

1. Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir — Kazmir is having an excellent season with the Oakland Athletics, compiling a 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 2015. He is a proven pitcher with playoff experience who would be a solid acquisition for any contending club. Kazmir knows how to pitch in the AL East during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Athletics are always open to a trade, and the Orioles should considering getting a deal done for Kazmir.

Kazmir is having an excellent season with the Oakland Athletics, compiling a 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 2015. He is a proven pitcher with playoff experience who would be a solid acquisition for any contending club. Kazmir knows how to pitch in the AL East during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Athletics are always open to a trade, and the Orioles should considering getting a deal done for Kazmir.

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