Key Takeaways:
– The Baltimore Orioles traded their relief pitcher Mike Baumann for Seattle Mariners’ catcher prospect Blake Hunt.
– Hunt, an MLB prospect, has recorded a slash line of .293/.372/.533 with 4 home runs and 20 RBIs in Triple-A this year.
– This move suggests that Baltimore is thinking of life beyond current backup catcher James McCann, who would be a free agent after the season.
Trade Transaction Creates a Buzz
In a strategic move that caught many by surprise, the Baltimore Orioles announced a midseason deal that brings back Blake Hunt, Seattle Mariners’ standout catcher prospect. The Seattle team acquired Orioles relief pitcher Mike Baumann in return. The news, reported initially by Jeff Passan of ESPN, reveals how the Baltimore Orioles managed to turn a potentially losing situation into a promising one.
Baumann’s Performance and Designation
Baumann, a stalwart in the Orioles bullpen for the past two seasons, was put on the designated for assignment (DFA) list after the re-inclusion of starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. Baumann’s return factored into a total of 17 appearances this season, where he pitched 16 strikeouts in 18.1 innings, earning a respectable ERA of 3.44.
Introducing Blake Hunt
Blake Hunt, on the other hand, is a player yet to spread his wings in the Major League Baseball (MLB) world. Hunt was drafted in 2017 by the San Diego Padres before this trade brought him to Baltimore. Despite his lack of MLB exposure, Hunt has been putting up impressive numbers in Triple-A this season. He boasts a .293/.372/.533 slash line with 4 home runs and 20 RBIs, showing significant potential.
Baltimore Orioles fans may be unfamiliar with Hunt, but Baseball America correspondent Emily Waldon, who has been tracking his performance closely, endorsed him. Waldon commended Hunt’s raw power and easy-effort swing, signifying him as a promising prospect.
Baltimore Orioles’ Future Catching Plans
The Orioles’ decision raises intriguing questions about their future catching plans. Currently, they have two catchers in their 40-man roster, with James McCann serving as the backup for Adley Rutschman. McCann’s performance so far in the year (.217/.217/.333 with one home run and 8 RBIs) might not be jeopardizing his spot but has left room for improvement.
The Orioles’ acquisition of Hunt seems to indicate a premeditated evolution in their catching line-up. With McCann’s free agency looming at the end of the season, the Orioles are seemingly ready for a phase where Hunt takes center-stage.
An Addition to Orioles’ Prospects
This trade broadens the Orioles’ prospect base. Their farm system now houses two promising catchers: Blake Hunt and Samuel Basallo. Basallo is batting with an impressive .262/.299/.414 and 6 home runs, 16 RBIs in Double-A Bowie Baysox. He is currently MLB’s number 14 prospect, possibly ready to fill any potential vacancy in the Orioles’ roster.
Post-Trade Reflections
Team manager Brandon Hyde expressed remorse over losing Mike Baumann, praising not just his professional contributions but also his personality and team spirit. Hyde acknowledged the difficulty of the morning they decided to put Baumann up for assignment and hoped that fans and team alike would find comfort in the promising trade it transitioned into. The acquisition of Hunt, who has the potential to play a crucial role in the Orioles’ future, offsets the sorrow of Baumann’s departure.
Looking ahead, the Orioles’ decision to swap Baumann for Hunt may prove to be a shrewd move. Hunt, with his raw power and impressive stats, might just be ready to break into the major leagues soon. As Baltimore football fans brace for an exciting future, the eyes of the sporting world remain focused on the unfolding drama of MLB trades.