3 last minute impact additions the Orioles can make at the MLB trade deadline

With the 2024 MLB trade deadline just hours away, the Orioles are running out of time to make any big moves to strengthen the roster before the season's final push. The clock officially stops at 6pm tonight, though there may be news that trickles in shortly thereafter.

The Orioles have already made a couple trades, acquiring righty Zach Eflin from the Rays and adding righty Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Christian Pache from the Phillies.

As it stands, the Orioles could still use some pitching help. Whether that ends up as a starter or a reliever is unknown, but it was clearly the biggest weakness for this squad coming into the deadline. They've addressed it partially but fans don't want to enter October having to rely on Craig Kimbrel in the 9th inning, or with Dean Kremer on the mound in an important playoff game.

If the Orioles are still in the market to make an addition or two, there are a handful of players left out there that could move the needle for this team down the stretch.

Marlins' reliever Tanner Scott would help the Orioles down the stretch

Tanner Scott would give the Orioles another strong left-handed option out of the bullpen. The former Oriole has been lights out in Miami this year, pitching to a 1.18 ERA while striking out nearly 30% of batters faced.

His FIP suggests he's in line for a bit of negative regression but the Orioles' trio of left-handed relievers, Cionel Perez, Keegan Akin, and Cole Irvin, is admittedly not the strongest group. Adding another solid lefty would put the O's in a better position heading into the playoffs.

Athletics' reliever Lucas Erceg would lengthen the Orioles bullpen

Lucas Erceg was a bit unlucky in 2023 but he's come back around this season. He's pitching to a 3.68 ERA in front of a terrible Oakland team, but his K/BB numbers prove that he'd be a great option for a team in playoff contention.

Closers can be expensive on the trade market but someone like Erceg, who is a solid pitcher working in medium-leverage spots behind star Mason Miller could be a perfect target for the Orioles. He'd provide solid innings at a lower cost, and has the potential to be dominant down the stretch.

The Orioles could still use another starting pitcher

Jamison Taillon was looking like a great potential target before the Cubs decided to be buyers at the deadline. Now, chances are he won't get moved.

Orioles fans might not like it but Jack Flaherty is still out there and pitching well in Detroit. He was scratched from his most recent start in order to protect his trade value and the Tigers seem overwhelmingly likely to move him at some point today.

Flaherty is a free agent after this year, so doesn't require a long-term commitment. Despite faltering in Baltimore down the stretch last year, he's been excellent in 2024. He's pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 106 innings while posting the best strikeout and walk rates of his career.

Flaherty isn't a flashy pick like Tarik Skubal or Garrett Crochet, but he could provide balance and consistency at a reasonable cost and give the Orioles a much better chance to succeed in October.