Baltimore Orioles: MLB trade deadline action involves pitcher Jeremy Hellickson

It’s no secret that the Baltimore Orioles need to do something at the trade deadline and rumors have been flying.

The Baltimore Orioles actually did something and it involved the Philadelphia Phillies.

In a recent announcement, the Phillies traded right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson in exchange for minor league reliever Garrett Cleavinger, outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, and international bonus money. The Birds also received cash considerations from the Phillies.

The announcement came from none other than the Orioles:

While many fans are left shaking their heads about this trade, it’s not as odd as it might seem. Hellickson may not be Max Scherzer (or anywhere close), but his ERA (4.73) isn’t bad. Of the current O’s starting rotation, only Dylan Bundy‘s 4.53 ERA is lower.

In a report from Steve Adams with MLB Trade Rumors, Dan Duquette said:

“Jeremy Hellickson is a solid, dependable, veteran Major League starter who knows how to win in the American League.”

This may not be the exciting trade that fans were hoping to see, but it is something. Adding a pitcher who can eat innings with a near-average ERA isn’t a bad thing. And, Hellickson’s ERA is close to the 2017 ERA average of 4.67 according to data collected by Baseball Reference.

What the Orioles gave up in the trade

Sadly, like any trade, teams have to give up something to get something. The same MLB Trade Rumors article confirmed that Kim was included in the trade. In his second year with the Orioles, Kim only played in 56 games and posted a slash of .232/.305/.288 with an OPS of .593. In 2016, he had a significantly better season with a slash of .302/.382/.420 and an OPS of .801.

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Kim will be welcome in Philadelphia since the team just traded Howie Kendrick to the Washington Nationals. Kendrick split time in left with Daniel Nava. Hopefully, Kim will see more playing time with the Phillies who are currently the worst team in baseball with a 38-64 record. The team is 25 games behind the Nationals whose record is 61 and 39.

Orioles also sent Garrett Cleavinger, a left-handed relief pitcher who happens to bat right handed, to the Phillies. Cleavinger was drafted by the O’s in the 3rd round in 2015. He pitched for the University of Oregon. He was slowly working his way up the minor-league ladder and was throwing for the Double-A Bowie Baysox. In 38.2 innings, the 23-year-old reliever recorded an ERA of 6.28 with a WHIP of 1.578.

Next: Can the Orioles contend with the younger AL East teams?

The trade may not be a sexy head-turner, but it could turn out to be helpful. The Orioles got a pitcher from the worst team in baseball. Maybe playing for the Orioles will add a little spark to his game and help the team get a few more wins??