Orioles quietly add promising young infielder in puzzling trade with Diamondbacks

The Baltimore Orioles missed out on free-agent starter Framber Valdez, but quickly circled the wagons and pulled off a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for...a backup infielder? Wait, that can't be right, can it?

Apparently, it is. Robert Murray of FanSided broke the news that the D-backs were shipping infielder Blaze Alexander to the Orioles. MLB insider Bob Nightengale later added a few details, stating that the deal included right-handed pitcher Kade Strowd and two other minor leaguers who've yet to be named.

This trade is a bit puzzling. It certainly makes sense for Arizona. After pulling Ketel Marte off the trade block and landing Nolan Arenado in a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, the D-backs had one too many infielders on the roster. But for the O's, this deal just feels unnecessary.

Orioles trade for Diamondbacks infielder Blaze Alexander likely ends reunion hopes for Ramón Urias

Alexander will bring some depth to the Orioles' infield, but recent rumors seemed to indicate that Baltimore was closing in on a reunion with Ramón Urias. With Alexander in the fold, that idea seems to have flown out the window.

Alexander is a skilled defender, can play all over the diamond, and has plenty of speed to match his name. It'd be weird if he wasn't fast, right? But Alexander's glove is far better than his bat. During his first two seasons in the big leagues, Alexander has hit just .237/.322/.366 with 10 round trippers and a .688 OPS. He did a good job of laying off pitches outside the zone last season, but still struck out at an untenable 32.3% of the time.

The Orioles have first base covered with the trio of Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo, and Ryan Mountcastle. Presumably, Alexander will be the primary backup behind Jackson Holliday at second base, Jordan Westburg at third base, and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop. A little added depth is always a good thing, but the Orioles need pitching.

Strowd made 25 appearances for the O's in 2025 and posted a respectable 1.71 ERA while walking over 12% of the batters he faced. Alexander is out of minor-league options, so the Orioles will have to carry him on the Opening Day roster or risk losing him to outright waivers. All signs point to this trade being nothing more than confusing.