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The Athletic has some trade proposals, one of which involves the Guardians. I don't think the O's would go for this but I'd love to do it, especially after the Delauter injury to a foot that has already been operated on twice.
3. Guardians trade right-handed relievers Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith to Orioles for RF Heston Kjerstad
The Guardians need to upgrade right field for the short- and long-term and acquiring Kjerstad, the second overall pick in the 2020 draft, would accomplish both aims. Kjerstad, 25, slashed .349/.431/.744 at Triple A this season with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs and has gone 2-for-9 since being promoted to the majors two weeks ago. However, the Orioles’ outfield is overcrowded with right fielder Anthony Santander, center fielder Cedric Mullins and left fielders Colton Cowser and Austin Hays, along with Kyle Stowers and Coby Mayo, who are major-league-ready but at Triple A. Kjerstad is talented but could be expendable. (He ranked 20th on my top 50 prospects list last August.)
In this trade, the Orioles would acquire two solid, controllable relievers to help fortify their bullpen. Gaddis, 26, has posted a 2.87 ERA in 17 appearances for Cleveland this season with 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings and 1.7 walks per nine. Smith, 24, has logged a 2.30 ERA and 1.43 FIP over 16 appearances this year, his first in the big leagues, with 13.8 strikeouts per nine (24 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings). The Guardians could afford to deal both righties because they have a deep bullpen with closer Emmanuel Clase and set-up men such as Tim Herrin, Scott Barlow and Nick Sandlin, along with relievers working their way back from injuries and more good arms in the minors who are ready for promotions.
He's got a point that with Morgan and Hentges ready to return and Karinchak down the road we could afford to give up Gaddis and Smith for a 25-year-old right fielder who hit .349 at AAA last year. But Gaddis and Smith are unproven - this is Gaddis' first year as a reliever and Smith is a rookie. I get that both teams would be trading from positions of strength, but I can't see Baltimore doing this deal.
3. Guardians trade right-handed relievers Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith to Orioles for RF Heston Kjerstad
The Guardians need to upgrade right field for the short- and long-term and acquiring Kjerstad, the second overall pick in the 2020 draft, would accomplish both aims. Kjerstad, 25, slashed .349/.431/.744 at Triple A this season with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs and has gone 2-for-9 since being promoted to the majors two weeks ago. However, the Orioles’ outfield is overcrowded with right fielder Anthony Santander, center fielder Cedric Mullins and left fielders Colton Cowser and Austin Hays, along with Kyle Stowers and Coby Mayo, who are major-league-ready but at Triple A. Kjerstad is talented but could be expendable. (He ranked 20th on my top 50 prospects list last August.)
In this trade, the Orioles would acquire two solid, controllable relievers to help fortify their bullpen. Gaddis, 26, has posted a 2.87 ERA in 17 appearances for Cleveland this season with 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings and 1.7 walks per nine. Smith, 24, has logged a 2.30 ERA and 1.43 FIP over 16 appearances this year, his first in the big leagues, with 13.8 strikeouts per nine (24 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings). The Guardians could afford to deal both righties because they have a deep bullpen with closer Emmanuel Clase and set-up men such as Tim Herrin, Scott Barlow and Nick Sandlin, along with relievers working their way back from injuries and more good arms in the minors who are ready for promotions.
He's got a point that with Morgan and Hentges ready to return and Karinchak down the road we could afford to give up Gaddis and Smith for a 25-year-old right fielder who hit .349 at AAA last year. But Gaddis and Smith are unproven - this is Gaddis' first year as a reliever and Smith is a rookie. I get that both teams would be trading from positions of strength, but I can't see Baltimore doing this deal.