This current closer is the perfect trade deadline acquisition for the Orioles

Even with Dean Kremer's dominant return to the rotation, the Orioles biggest need at the trade deadline remains starting pitching. Although perhaps not as dire, the Orioles' bullpen could also use a boost.

Bullpen star lefty Danny Coulombe is lost until at least September. Yennier Cano has struggled of late, allowing runs in three of his last five appearances. And while Nick Vespi, Keegan Akin, and Dillon Tate have pitched well, they are inexperienced and it is unclear how much the Orioles can count on them in the pennant race.

As I recommended for their starting rotation with Kevin Gausman, the Orioles should once again reach out to their division rival, the Toronto Blue Jays, to upgrade their bullpen. Toronto's hard-throwing right-hander Chad Green, currently closing for the Jays with Jordan Romano and Yimi Garcia sidelined, would be a perfect addition to the Orioles' pen.

The Orioles should contact Toronto about acquiring veteran power arm Chad Green

In 20 games this season, the right-hander has a 1.37 ERA and is averaging nearly one strikeout per inning. He has a proven track record in the AL East, having also excelled for the Yankees from 2017-2022. Green is earning $10,500,000 in 2024 and will earn the same amount in 2025 (when the cheaper Felix Bautista returns and Craig Kimbrel is likely gone).

As with Gausman, the primary issue is whether the Jays want to keep Green for a pennant run next year, or clear his contract off the books and save some money. At 39-47, the Blue Jays are eight games out of the final Wild Card, which truly is a testament to how poorly they have played in light of MLB's recent expansion of the playoff field. While a full fire sale may not happen, it makes sense for the Jays to strongly consider offers for some of their veterans, including Green.

The cost for Green will depend on whether the Blue Jays view him as a salary dump or as an asset that they want to recoup something for. The answer probably lies somewhere in between.

If the Orioles agree to eat the entire remaining money on Green's contract, 1-2 lower ranking prospects, such as Hudson Haskin ( #24 prospect, .624 OPS in Norfolk) and/or Billy Cook (#29 prospect, .794 OPS between Bowie and Norfolk) would make sense. Or perhaps Toronto would want a young, controllable, but unranked reliever, such as Nick Vespi. Either way, it is something the Orioles should consider.

The Orioles need to upgrade their bullpen, as well, as their rotation, before the trade deadline. The struggling Toronto Blue Jays present a great opportunity for the Orioles, assuming they wisely enter into sell mode.