3 way-too-early trade targets for Orioles following Mitch Keller pursuit

The Baltimore Orioles reportedly were pretty serious about adding Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the MLB trade deadline. The Orioles have had a need at the top of their starting rotation since this offseason, and Grayson Rodriguez's latest injury setback has only added to it ahead of the offseason.

While the Orioles weren't able to push a trade for Keller across the finish line ahead of the deadline, it may have tipped Mike Elias' hand for what he has planned this offseason. The Orioles have an abundance of position players, both at the Major League level and the upper levels of their farm system. If the pursuit of Keller indicates one thing, it's that the Orioles may look to use their position-player capital to add a controllable starting pitcher this winter.

3 way-too-early trade targets for Orioles to bolster their rotation

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins

Like the Pirates, the belief is that the Miami Marlins were seeking position players in exchange for Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. Neither were moved at the deadline, and that speaks to the theme of the trade deadline. Knowing the Marlins' history, chances are both will be on the trade market this offseason. The guess here is that the Orioles will be among the teams trying to pry the former Cy Young award winner away from the Marlins.

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins

It seems that the Minnesota Twins nearly traded Joe Ryan to the Boston Red Sox at the deadline, but there wasn't enough time for the teams to reach an agreement. The Twins ignited a full rebuild at the deadline, and it won't be a complete shock if they look to trade Ryan during the offseason. For an Orioles team that is desperate for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, Ryan should be near the top of their wish list.

Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates

Mitch Keller gets the obligatory mention, considering the interest the Orioles had at the deadline. Keller feels like the type of move that Elias would aim for, not quite an ace, but good enough for the Orioles' general manager to point to and say that he tried.

Luis Severino, the Athletics

Despite signing the largest contract in the history of the Athletics' organization, Luis Severino has not been shy about his disdain for playing conditions at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. It would seem that the outcome will be the Athletics trading Severino this offseason, and chances are the Orioles will be among the teams interested.

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