Orioles make big in-division trade with rival to set rotation up for playoffs

The Baltimore Orioles may be the most important team at the trade deadline this year. That isn't to say they will make the most moves or could even change their fortunes the most, but they are the one team in MLB that has the prospect capital and (hopefully) financial means to make almost any trade they want to. If a Tarik Skubal trade were to happen against all odds, it would probably be the Orioles.

Starting pitching is pretty clearly Baltimore's top priority given the injuries in their rotation. While the rotation was a concern at last year's deadline and the Orioles decided to go with half measures to address it then, it appears as though they are thinking a bit bigger in 2024.

On Friday afternoon, they started their quest to remake their rotation by striking a deal with the Rays to trade for Zach Eflin in exchange for a group of three prospects, headlined by Mac Horvath.

Orioles News: Baltimore acquires Zach Eflin from the Rays for three middle-tier prospects

Considering the fact that Eflin was one of the hotter names on the pitching trade market with several teams in on him, it is a bit surprising that it only cost the Orioles this package to acquire him. Eflin is also under contract through 2025, so this deal has value beyond 2024. Horvath is a talented and speedy utility infielder, but he is only the Orioles No. 10 prospect, while Baumeister and Etzel don't exactly move the needle a ton.

One factor that could have been in play here is that Eflin is making real money this year and next, which could have driven his price down since the Rays are always looking to shed payroll. Not to mention, he is generally a 4.00 ERA guy even when everything is going according to plan. But the Orioles are shrewdly valuing experience and durability with Kyle Bradish out for 2025.

There is a chance that this could be the Orioles "big move" of the trade deadline if history is any indicator. Mike Elias generally moves deliberately when it comes to managing the roster and he may feel like Elfin is enough of a splash that the rest of their moves will be small ones.

However, Baltimore has been connected to some big names on the trade market, so fans could be in for more surprises soon.

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