The Baltimore Orioles have arguably the best bullpen in baseball in Zach Britton, the man who for all intents and purposes, was not only the best closer in 2016 but one of the best pitchers period.
And I think theOriolesshould trade him.
Before you dismiss me as crazy, let me present my ideas.
Baltimore Orioles LHPZach Brittonto the San Francisco Giants for LHPMatt Mooreand SS/2BJalen Miller.
Could you imagine, Dan Duquette wakes up, see the Cubs-Giants score and calls the GM of the Giants. How could he say the Giants’ GM say no? The Giants would still haveMadison Bumgarner,Johnny Cueto,Jeff SamardzijaandMatt Cainin their rotation under contract.
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
The Giants had 32 blown saves in 2016. Now, not all of those came in the 9th inning, but, they only saved 57 percent of games. That is awful.
Matt Moorewent 6-5 in 12 starts with San Francisco in 2016 after being traded to the Giants from the Tampa Bay Rays, where he went 7-7 in 21 starts.
There is some risk here, as Moore’s WHIP was around 1.291 and an ERA above 4.
He also allowed 25 home runs in 2016 and did struggle in several starts against the Orioles. He did haveTommy Johnsurgery in 2014. But, Moore has excelled in the AL East, going 17-4 as a 24-year-old.
He also is a left-handed starter, something the Orioles sorely need.
Also, parting with Miller, the Giants would part with another young SS from their organization but still keep their best SS prospect. Miller, 19, was a third-round pick in 2015 and is a guy with a lot of speed, and is still considered a top prospect, despite struggling in A Augusta this year.
Financially, Moore has team options for each of the next three years. He is due $7 million in 2017, $9 million in 2018, and $10 million in 2019.
As for trading Zach Britton. Yes, the Orioles would be trading arguably the best reliever they have ever had. But, his value could never, ever be higher.
Britton is arbitration-eligible again this year and is projected to get $11.4 million dollars in arbitration. That, while the team is paying fellow relieverDarren O’Day$7 million in 2017, and $9 million in both 2018 and 2019.
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
So, yes this would save the team money. In the past, the Orioles refused to payJim Johnsonaround $10 million to be the team’s closer. Does this mean they won’t pay two players around $18.5 million to be the back end of the bullpen?
Brad Brachwill probably get around $3 million in arbitration himself this year. Also, the Orioles haveMychal Givenswho can transition to a 7th inning role andDonnie Hartwho can serve as a specialist against lefties but also be exposed to facing all hitters.
This move would allow the team to transition bothTyler WilsonandMike Wrightinto bullpen guys, where Wright could potentially exceed as a reliever with his fastball.
Just think of an Orioles’ rotation withChris Tillman, Matt Moore,Kevin Gausman,Dylan Bundyand then someone ofUbaldo Jimenez,Wade MileyorYovani Gallardo.
Finally,Buck Showaltersaid during his year-ending press conference that there were some reasons, which he would not reveal, that he did not use Zach Britton in the Wild Card loss. Could it be that he already knew Dan Duquette is not willing to pay two relievers around $18.5 million?
Was Showalter trying to prove a point to Duquette by not using his closer, as to how it would affect his team in the future? As preposterous as this sounds, realize that Showalter has become quite the player’s manager while in Baltimore. He loves his guys, period.
If Dan Duquette is not going to keep Zach Britton around, he needs to trade him for starting pitching.
Next: Buck, Offense Hounded by Questions as Season Ends
Coming off the terrible year relief pitchers had for the Giants, my first offer would be to the other team in black and orange.
And I would do it and not look back.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations