Teams that would make the best offseason trade partners with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles failed to improve upon a 101-win season from 2023. They still had a good season, winning 91 games, but they went from having the third-most wins in baseball heading into July to winning just two more games than the Pirates after that, eventually getting swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card series.

Many of those second-half struggles stemmed from their pitching. As a unit, they had a 4.50 ERA, 4.16 FIP, and 1.33 WHIP from July through the end of the season. The Orioles only had one starter last year who made double-digit starts, had an ERA+ of over 100, and is under control for next season. That’s 34-year-old Albert Suarez. They did acquire Zach Eflin at the deadline, who is under control for next year, and will have a healthy Grayson Rodriguez look to continue to improve his game. However, Corbin Burnes is a free agent, and Kyle Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery in June, which likely eliminates him for a good portion, if not all, of 2025.

The Orioles could use another MLB-ready or near-MLB-ready starting option, especially given they do not have many in their system. Both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America only list three pitching prospects among their top 10. Their top pitching prospect is Chayce McDermott, who had a good season at Triple-A but is their only top ten pitching prospect to have played above High-A.

Meanwhile, they could look to move some of their young position player talent. Four of their top 10 prospects on Pipeline are outfield prospects. Two of their outfield spots are taken up by potential Rookie of the Year winner Colton Cowser and stalwart Cedric Mullins. Anthony Santander is a free agent, but Heston Kjerstad showed off some potential in his brief MLB sample size and looks like he could take over right field, if he isn’t traded.

They could also look to move a player who already has Major League experience, like Ryan Mouncastle. The Orioles’ top prospects are Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo. Both can play first base, and Basallo would have a hard time breaking into the Major Leagues as a full-time catcher, given Adley Rutschman's presence. Certainly something to think about, as the Orioles approach a pivotal offseason of their window.