The Baltimore Orioles continued their day of reshaping the future of this team with the trade ofTommy Hunterto the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfield prospectJunior Lake.
The Orioles have been trying to move Hunter for some time now, and landing a pretty good prospect in return is a good deal forBuck Showalter‘s bunch.
Hunter was 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA in 39 games for the Birds this season. He has been up and down for the O’s in his time in Baltimore, but his greatest strength was not walking opponents. Hunter has issued just 11 walks on the year and owns a 1.164 WHIP in relief appearances. He was acquired, as well asChris Davis, in a 2011 trade for relieverKoji Uehara.
Right-handerMike Wrighthas been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Hunter in the bullpen.
Lake is a young outfield prospect at the age of 23 and was batting .315 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa. The Dominican outfielder has batted .241 over parts of three seasons with the Cubs, but will report to Norfolk.
The Orioles are hopeful that a change in scenery might do some good for Lake, who possess some power as well as base running ability. He does struggle a bit with plate discipline and is not a terrific defender either.
More from Baltimore Orioles
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Orioles Josh Rogers Expectations in his Major League Debut
In all, it’s a solid move for Baltimore as they land a decent prospect for a player that was likely to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Dan Duquette has always made moves since coming to Baltimore, and this isn’t the first time the Orioles have done work with the Cubs. They tradedJake ArrietaandPedro Stropto Chicago in 2013 in exchange forScott FeldmanandSteve Clevenger. Arrieta and Strop have done well since moving out of Baltimore, and the O’s are hopeful they get some return with the addition of Lake.
It’s been quite the day for the Orioles.Gerardo Parra is now an OrioleandBud Norris has been designated for assignment. There is still the possibility for additions during the waiver-claim period. The Orioles addedAlejandro De AzaandKelly Johnsonlast season during that period, and it’s certainly possible that they make similar moves down the road.
Now that the MLB trade deadline has passed, we generally know who is staying and going in Baltimore. Now it is time to make that run to the playoffs.
Next: Orioles Designate Bud Norris for Assignment
More fromThe Baltimore Wire
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations