The Baltimore Orioles may make a midseason trade to acquire the ace of an American League rival.
The Baltimore Orioles, a team that has long struggled to find sustained success, are entering a critical phase of their rebuilding process. After years of being in the basement of the American League East, the Orioles have finally begun to show signs of life, with a promising crop of young talent emerging from their farm system. Players like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez have raised the team’s ceiling, making them an exciting team to watch.
As the Orioles approach the 2025 season, the organization is in a unique position. They have a strong foundation of youth, some notable veterans, and financial flexibility, creating the possibility for a significant move to bolster their roster. The team’s pitching staff, however, remains an area that could use some improvement. The Orioles’ rotation has shown flashes of promise but lacks a true ace, a legitimate top-of-the-rotation arm capable of dominating opposing lineups.
As the trade deadline approaches, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Orioles could make a midseason trade to acquire an ace from an American League rival. With the right combination of prospects and current talent, the Orioles could potentially land a star pitcher, giving their pitching staff the boost it needs to compete at a higher level. But what would it take for Baltimore to acquire such a piece? And which American League aces might be available on the trade market?
The Orioles’ Current Roster: A Team on the Rise
The Orioles’ rebuild is well underway, and the team is beginning to reap the rewards of its patient approach. The young talent coming through the ranks gives the organization a sense of hope that it hasn’t had in years. Let’s break down the key pieces of the current roster to better understand how a midseason trade for an ace might impact the team.
The Offense
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 Orioles is their offense. Players like Adley Rutschman, who has quickly established himself as one of the best catchers in the game, and Gunnar Henderson, a versatile infielder with impressive power and on-base skills, are among the cornerstones of the team’s lineup. These two players are capable of anchoring the offense for years to come.
The Orioles also boast an impressive mix of power and speed. Cedric Mullins, who provides excellent defense in center field, is a dangerous leadoff hitter capable of stealing bases and getting on base at a high rate. Meanwhile, Ryan Mountcastle, who has shown significant power in his early years, offers a big bat in the middle of the order.
The offensive side of the ball is not the primary concern for the Orioles. While they may add a piece here or there to bolster the lineup, the real focus for the team in the coming years will be on its pitching staff.
The Pitching Staff
While the offense has improved, the Orioles’ pitching staff has been a mixed bag. The starting rotation has a few solid pieces, but there is no true ace. Grayson Rodriguez, a highly touted pitching prospect, is the closest thing the Orioles have to an ace at the moment, but he is still learning the ropes of being a big-league starter. Rodriguez has flashed electric stuff, but he has also had his struggles with consistency.
The rest of the rotation is solid but unspectacular. Dean Kremer and Kyle Bradish have shown they can be serviceable starters, but neither has the type of dominance that an ace brings. This is where the Orioles could use a major upgrade.
In the bullpen, the Orioles have some strong arms, with names like Félix Bautista anchoring the back end of the bullpen. But with the starting rotation being the most pressing need, Baltimore will likely focus its efforts on acquiring a top-tier pitcher.
Why the Orioles Could Be Interested in an AL Ace
There are several reasons why the Orioles might target an American League ace via trade as the 2025 season progresses. The most obvious reason is their need for a true number-one starter. While the Orioles have a number of talented pitchers in their rotation, none of them have proven to be elite over a full season. In today’s game, a dominant ace is almost a necessity for playoff contention, particularly in a loaded American League East division, where teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are all strong contenders.
Baltimore has a few key advantages that could make them attractive trade partners. First, the team’s farm system is among the best in baseball. With a number of highly ranked prospects, including top pitching prospects, the Orioles have the talent to make a strong trade offer. Second, the Orioles have financial flexibility. While they haven’t historically spent as much as some of their AL East counterparts, they are in a position where they could take on a significant contract without the same financial burden that many other teams might face.
Additionally, the Orioles are on the rise, and a trade for an ace could signal to their fanbase and the rest of the league that the team is ready to compete for a postseason spot sooner rather than later. With the combination of a strong offense, improving defense, and a solid bullpen, acquiring a top-tier starter could be the final piece needed to push the Orioles into contention.
Potential AL Aces on the Market
Now, let’s look at a few potential American League pitchers who could be available via trade. While it is impossible to predict exactly which players will be on the block come midseason, certain circumstances could lead teams to move their aces. Whether due to a team’s struggles, financial constraints, or a lack of contract extensions, some of these pitchers could be available to the highest bidder.
1. Shane Bieber – Cleveland Guardians
Shane Bieber is one of the most accomplished pitchers in the American League. The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner has proven himself to be a consistent ace who can dominate opposing lineups. However, the Cleveland Guardians, a team that has often been forced to trade players before they reach free agency, could be in a position to move Bieber if they are not in playoff contention by midseason.
Bieber has one year remaining on his contract (after 2025), so Cleveland might decide to trade him if they are not in a position to extend him long-term. The Orioles would be an ideal destination for a pitcher like Bieber, as he would immediately slot in as their ace, providing stability at the top of their rotation.
2. Lucas Giolito – Chicago White Sox
Another pitcher who could be on the move is Lucas Giolito of the Chicago White Sox. Giolito has been one of the more consistent starting pitchers in the AL in recent seasons and is in the final year of his contract. If the White Sox are not contending in 2025, they could look to trade Giolito to a team like the Orioles, who could use a veteran starter to anchor their rotation.
Giolito’s track record of success and his ability to handle big-game situations make him an attractive trade target for teams like Baltimore. While he may not have the same dominance as some of the other aces in the league, Giolito is certainly capable of being a reliable and strong presence at the top of a rotation.
3. Tyler Glasnow – Tampa Bay Rays
Tyler Glasnow is one of the most electric pitchers in the American League when healthy. The Tampa Bay Rays have been known for trading players before they hit free agency, and Glasnow could be a prime candidate for a trade if the Rays are not in contention by midseason. While Glasnow has had injury concerns in the past, when he is on the mound, he has ace-level stuff.
The Orioles could certainly use a pitcher like Glasnow, who has the potential to be a game-changer. His fastball and slider combination can be devastating, and his strikeout potential is through the roof. If the Rays decide to move him, the Orioles could make a strong offer, especially considering Glasnow’s final year of control.
4. Framber Valdez – Houston Astros
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros is another potential trade candidate. Valdez has been one of the more consistent and reliable pitchers in the AL, helping to anchor a strong Astros rotation in recent seasons. While Houston is a playoff contender, the team has a number of high-priced pitchers, and they could decide to move Valdez if they are looking to cut payroll or if they believe they can get a strong return for him.
Valdez is a ground-ball machine with excellent control, and he has proven to be a postseason performer. A move to Baltimore would give the Orioles a dependable ace who could contribute immediately, both in the regular season and in potential playoff scenarios.
What Would It Take for the Orioles to Acquire an Ace?
Acquiring a legitimate ace is no small task, especially when dealing with a team in the American League. The Orioles would likely need to give up one of their top prospects to make a deal work. Players like Grayson Rodriguez, DL Hall, or Heston Kjerstad could be attractive to other teams looking to build for the future.
Additionally, the Orioles would need to include some young talent from their current roster to make a compelling trade offer. A combination of top prospects and current major-league players could get the attention of teams that are looking to rebuild or retool.
The Orioles are in a strong position to make such a move, but they will need to be judicious in their approach. It is important for the team to balance the acquisition of a top-tier starter with the long-term health of their farm system and their overall roster construction.
The Orioles’ Window of Opportunity
As the 2025 season progresses, the Baltimore Orioles could be on the brink of an exciting era of contention. With a strong and improving offense, a solid bullpen, and a farm system loaded with talent, the Orioles are in a prime position to add a game-changing ace to their roster.
If the right opportunity presents itself, a midseason trade for a top-tier American League ace could be just what the Orioles need to push themselves into the postseason conversation. Whether it’s Shane Bieber, Lucas Giolito, Tyler Glasnow, or Framber Valdez, Baltimore has the tools to make a competitive offer.
For Orioles fans, the future is brighter than it has been in years, and a trade for a frontline starter could be the final step toward establishing the team as a perennial contender in the American League. The next few months could be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise, and a well-timed trade could help bring the Orioles back to prominence.