Baltimore Orioles: Three Other Players Who Could Be Traded

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 27: Shawn Armstrong #43 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to a Detroit Tigers batter in the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 27, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Shawn Armstrong was one of the more effective relievers for the Baltimore Orioles in 2019.

Like Bleier, Shawn Armstrong could be another bullpen piece moved this offseason for a few international dollars or low-level prospects. Armstrong was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners back in April and proceeded to go 1-0 with a 5.13 ERA (4.28 FIP), four saves, and a team-leading 0.7 fWAR (among all Orioles relief pitchers).

He’s just 29 years old, is making less than $600,000, and isn’t a free agent until 2024, according to Baseball Reference. Cheap, controllable, and not a complete disaster on the mound is a low bar, but it’s what the Orioles will be looking to fill their rotation and bullpen with over the next year or two until some of the top prospect arms come up and the team is in position to hand out larger contracts to more high-profile free agents.

He struck out nearly 10/9 IP in an Orioles uniform this season and limited lefties to a .202 average and .275 wOBA, but he walked more than 4/9 IP, righties hit .324 with a .390 wOBA against him, and his second-half slash line of .330/.394/.470 was a big jump from his first-half line of .235/.341/.429.

After coming out hot and looking like a fantastic pick up for Mike Elias, Armstrong came back down to Earth a bit, but was still one of the more reliable options out of the bullpen. Take that for what it’s worth.

While I wouldn’t be upset if the Orioles ended up trading or non-tendering Richard Bleier, I wouldn’t mind another season of Shawn Armstrong, just to see if he can limit his walks next year and take step forward after a full offseason with the organization.

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