Baltimore Orioles: O’s May Turn Jace Peterson Into August Trade Bait

The Baltimore Orioles re-signed Jace Peterson Friday, but it may not be for the reason the first comes to mind.

During the rebuilding season that is 2019 several Baltimore Orioles farmhands have gotten the chance to showcase their talent with the big league club.

One player who hasn’t gotten that opportunity in 2019 is veteran utility man Jace Peterson. In 2015 Peterson was the Atlanta Braves every day second basemen as he slashed .239/.314/.335 in 152 games.

He would never find himself in a starting role again however as he would be let go by the Braves following the 2017 season after two seasons in a reserve role.

Peterson would sign with the New York Yankees and make three major league appearances in 2018 before being designated by assignment and added by the Orioles.

In 93 games with Baltimore in 2018, Peterson slashed .195/.308/.325 with three home runs. He would be brought in for spring training but failed to make the majors but stuck with the organization as a member of the Norfolk Tides. The 29-year-old would impress in Triple-A slashing .309/.394/.505 with nine home runs. Thus, he took the opportunity to opt-out of his contract but after failing to find a major league deal resigned with the Orioles Friday where he will be sent back to Norfolk.

The knee jerk reaction to the signing from the Orioles perspective is that the Orioles will want to give Peterson a chance in the majors. However, it very well could be to use the super-utility man as August trade bait.

New MLB rules no longer allow players with an MLB contract to be traded after July 31st. Since Peterson is on a minor league deal, he can be moved up until August 31st.

By putting up big at the plate and having the ability to play multiple positions, Peterson can help nearly every contender in the month of September. Thus, it’s safe to say the Orioles are bringing Peterson back to be August trade bait as the team looks to continue to bolster their farm system.