Orioles Trade Rumors: Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez amongst names in O's shortlist to bolster their pitching
The Baltimore Orioles are expected to use this trade deadline to bolster their pitching both in the starting role and in the bullpen, as they look primed for a deep postseason run this fall. Their job became easy after the Cincinnati Reds were swept by the Washington Nationals over the weekend.
According to Jon Morosi, the Reds have indicated that they are willing to trade players on expiring contracts. Among the names the Orioles are interested in are Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez.
Montas is the starting arm for the Reds and could pivot in the same role for the Orioles after concerns arose about Corbin Burnes' being moved at the trade deadline. However, even if the latter doesn't happen, Montas is still a good arm which carries a mutual option for the 2025 season. This season, he has a 4.85 ERA in 89.0 innings pitched.
Martinez, meanwhile, will be providing a bullpen option, and this season he has gone 3-5, posting a 3.88 ERA to go with 56 strikeouts. The pitcher has a player option for the 2025 season.
Orioles among multiple contenders eyeing Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal
If there is one player who has garnered more attention than Garrett Crochet of the White Sox ahead of the trade deadline, it is Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. While Bob Nightengale has reported negotiations going on between the Orioles and Dodgers with the Tigers for Skubal, Tom Verducci reported the same but mentioned that it's not clear whether the Tigers are entertaining offers from him.
This is in line with the Orioles injury woes this season. They'll be without Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and John Means for the season. So any Cy Young contender addition will drastically improve their postseason odds. The Dodgers, on their part, are also struck with injuries to some key members of the rotation. So it won't be easy for the Orioles to carve out a trade.
Nightengale also reported that the Tigers may only trade Skubal if there is an overwhelming offer on the table.
Skubal's performance in the first half of this season has put him in contention for the Al Cy Young honor. He has gone 10-3 for 2.41 ERA and 140 strikeouts.
Who do you think Tarik Skubal will play for post trade deadline? Will it be Detroit or any other team? Let us know in the comments section.