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Baltimore Orioles Strike A Deal With Toronto Blue Jays

By Chuck Boemmel

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 20: Dwight Smith Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a double in the ninth inning during MLB game action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 20, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 20: Dwight Smith Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a double in the ninth inning during MLB game action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 20, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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The Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday that they have made a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for an outfield prospect.

Following their 4-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday, the Baltimore Orioles announced that they had completed a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.  The Orioles sent International bonus slot money to the Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Dwight Smith Jr.

Smith was designated for assignment earlier in the week by the Blue Jays in order to make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Clay Buchholz, who they signed to a one-year $3 million contract.  Smith is another player with familial ties to the Orioles; his father, Dwight Smith, played for the Orioles briefly in 1994.

General Manager Mike Elias had this to say about Smith according to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com:

The Blue Jays originally selected Smith during the Compensation A part of the MLB Draft in 2011.  The 26-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder produced a .268/ .344/ .402 slash line with 59 home runs and 341 RBIs over seven minor league seasons.  He made his major league debut on May 18, 2017 against the Atlanta Braves and has played a total of 47 games over two years while hitting .293/ .365/ .467 with two home runs and nine runs driven in.

In order to make room for Smith on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated LHP Josh Osich for assignment.  The Orioles had previously claimed Osich on waivers from the San Fransisco Giants.

The 2019 Orioles are quickly becoming a team of opportunity.  This trade provides an opportunity for Smith, a former first-round pick, while increasing the options that the team has.  By all accounts, spring training 2019 has been enthusiastic and full of competition; Smith adds to the mix.

I really think that no matter what, the team that comes north to Baltimore will be the best team Elias and manager Brandon Hyde can assemble.  Even though the spring schedule is at the halfway point, there is still time for the Orioles’ powers-that-be to evaluate as many possible players as possible.  Smith adds a left-handed bat with major league experience to the mix.

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Even if Smith does not break camp with the big club, he presents depth at the AAA level.  He has one minor league option remaining so the “Norfolk Shuttle” is a real possibility.  I am all for added depth in the Baltimore organization.

Despite hopes that this international slot money would be used to sign Cuban shortstop Yolbert Sanchez (which could still happen if the organization believes he adds value) Smith’s acquisition is the third by Elias using international bonus slot money as RHP David Lebron was acquired from the Texas Rangers and RHP Xavier Moore was acquired from the Minnesota Twins, previously.

Mike Elias seems to be leaving no stone unturned in bringing in talent for consideration as a member of the 2019 Baltimore Orioles and that is a very good thing.

Next. Orioles Add RHP To Minor League Deal. dark

What is your opinion of the trade, Orioles fans?  Let me know what you think.

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