The Orioles have been active buyers at the MLB trade deadline for two consecutive years, with general manager Mike Elias making multiple moves to strengthen the pitching staff. Despite some disappointing results from his 2023 acquisitions, Elias remained undeterred in 2024, bringing in four veteran pitchers at the deadline.
One standout addition, Zach Eflin, will be highlighted in a later post. For now, let’s examine the performances of the other three pitchers, who had mixed results ranging from somewhat useful to disastrous.
Seranthony Domínguez
The first of the new pitchers, Seranthony Domínguez, was acquired from the Phillies on July 26 for Austin Hays, who had lost his starting position. Although not a widely expected trade, Domínguez, once a key part of Philadelphia’s bullpen, struggled earlier in the season with a 4.75 ERA. The Orioles took a chance on him to bolster their right-handed relief options.
Domínguez quickly became a vital reliever, taking on high-leverage situations and eventually stepping in as the closer after Craig Kimbrel faltered. From August 10, he recorded 10 saves in 11 opportunities, boasting a 3.97 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 22.2 innings. His fastball velocity ranked in the 96th percentile of MLB pitchers, averaging 98.1 mph on his sinker.
However, he struggled with giving up home runs, allowing six in his 22.2 innings with the Orioles. Despite showing potential, he never fully earned the trust of fans due to these issues. The Orioles hold an $8 million option on him for next season, making his future with the team an intriguing decision point.
Gregory Soto
Just days later, the Orioles acquired Gregory Soto, another former Phillies reliever. Soto, known for his electric arm but high walk rate (5.1 BB/9), was seen as a potential asset despite his struggles in Philadelphia.
His debut with the Orioles was disastrous, allowing four runs and only retiring one batter. However, he rebounded impressively, going on a streak of 10 scoreless appearances and drastically improving his walk rate. From August 8 onward, he posted a 1.10 ERA, leading to more trust from manager Brandon Hyde in crucial situations. With Soto a year away from free agency, the Orioles may consider him for a more significant role if they believe his late-season performance is sustainable.
Trevor Rogers
In stark contrast, the trade for Trevor Rogers proved to be a significant misstep. Acquired from the Marlins for Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers, Rogers struggled mightily upon joining the Orioles, giving up 16 runs in just 19 innings before being sent to the minors to overhaul his mechanics.
Norby quickly excelled in Miami, further frustrating Orioles fans who felt the trade was one-sided. Although Rogers showed some improvement in the minors, his future with the organization is uncertain. The Orioles need to see substantial progress from him during spring training to salvage this trade.
Overall, while some of the Orioles’ trade deadline moves showed promise, others fell flat, leaving the team with important decisions to make as they look ahead to the next season.
