Red Sox Closer Open to Trade, Potential Orioles Target
A potential acquisition for the Baltimore Orioles seems open to the idea of being traded. The Orioles have been on a strong streak lately, winning 8 out of their last 10 games. Both their offense and defense have been performing well, showcasing why they are considered a formidable team. Yet, there’s still one missing piece that could elevate their game.
Felix Bautista, the closer, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, sidelining him for the entire season. Bautista demonstrated his prowess in the bullpen last year when healthy, proving to be one of baseball’s top closers.
To fill his shoes temporarily, the Orioles made a strategic move during the offseason by signing veteran Craig Kimbrel. At 35 years old, Kimbrel has been a dominant reliever for over a decade and has continued to impress in 2024.
With 11 appearances under his belt, Kimbrel has secured seven saves and boasts an impressive ERA of 0.82. If he maintains this level of performance, the Orioles will have a reliable closer for the foreseeable future.
However, bolstering the bullpen further could be advantageous.
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Earlier in April, there were rumors that Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen could be a potential target for Baltimore. Recently, Jon Heyman mentioned on B/R Walk-Off that Jansen would be “happy to be traded.” At 36 years old, Jansen has showcased a 2.35 ERA and has struck out 12 batters in 7 2/3 innings pitched this season.
If Jansen becomes available, his addition could significantly strengthen the Orioles’ bullpen. Pairing Jansen with Kimbrel in the late innings could prove crucial, particularly during postseason play.
With a solid farm system in place, the front office has multiple avenues to explore in completing potential deals, which could lead to several moves around the trade deadline.
