Orioles Acquire Left-Hander Nick Raquet From Cardinals to Bolster Injured Bullpen
The Baltimore Orioles are making strategic moves to stabilize their bullpen following injuries to two key left-handed relievers. With Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns both on the injured list, the Orioles have reportedly acquired lefty Nick Raquet from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for infield/outfield prospect Brayden Smith, sources told MLB.com.
Neither team has officially confirmed the trade, but the addition of Raquet provides Baltimore with much-needed depth and flexibility in the bullpen.
Nick Raquet: Career Overview
Raquet, 30, began the 2026 season at Triple-A Memphis, posting a 3.00 ERA in three innings across two relief appearances. His major league experience is limited, having appeared in just two games for the Cardinals in 2025, tossing two scoreless innings over outings on September 8 and 9.
A third-round pick by the Washington Nationals in 2017 out of the College of William and Mary, Raquet’s journey has been unconventional.
He initially left baseball after failing to advance past Single-A in the Nationals’ system by 2019, but he eventually returned, finding his way into the Cardinals’ organization in 2024.
Raquet’s resilience and experience in both minor and major leagues make him a versatile option for a bullpen currently stretched thin due to injuries.
Orioles’ Bullpen Challenges
Baltimore has struggled with left-handed bullpen depth this season. The IL placements of Akin (left groin strain) and Enns (left foot infection) have left the team thin on southpaws. Akin, who began the season on the injured list, currently has no clear timeline for a return. Enns was placed on the IL retroactive to Saturday, leaving Grant Wolfram as the only healthy left-handed reliever for their opening series win against the Chicago White Sox.
Additionally, Cade Povich, recently called up from Triple-A Norfolk, pitched 5 2/3 innings of two-run relief in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he is primarily a right-handed option. Adding Raquet gives manager Brandon Hyde more flexibility, particularly in late-inning matchups against left-handed hitters.
Brayden Smith: The Prospect Side of the Trade
In exchange for Raquet, the Orioles are sending Brayden Smith to St. Louis. Smith, 22, was Baltimore’s 13th-round pick in 2025 out of Oklahoma State. He started the 2026 season at High-A Frederick after playing 16 games for Single-A Delmarva the previous year.
Smith’s versatility as an infield/outfield prospect makes him a valuable developmental piece for the Cardinals, who can integrate him into their minor league system as they look to build organizational depth. For Baltimore, the cost of losing Smith is outweighed by the immediate need for left-handed bullpen support.
Why Raquet Fits the Orioles’ Needs
The addition of Raquet addresses multiple challenges for Baltimore:
- Left-Handed Depth – With Akin and Enns out, the Orioles were left with limited options to match up against left-handed hitters in critical relief situations.
- Experience – While primarily a minor leaguer, Raquet has demonstrated effectiveness in limited MLB appearances and can provide steady innings when called upon.
- Flexibility – Raquet can be used in multi-inning relief roles or as a situational lefty against tough left-handed matchups, giving Hyde more tactical options late in games.
This move signals that the Orioles are committed to maintaining bullpen stability as they navigate a long season with a mix of veterans and younger arms.
Recent Orioles Bullpen Performances
Baltimore’s bullpen has had notable contributions from both veterans and newcomers:
- Grant Wolfram – The only healthy left-hander during the White Sox series opener, contributed in high-leverage situations.
- Cade Povich – Called up from Triple-A, pitched effectively in Pittsburgh, demonstrating stamina and composure over 5 2/3 innings of relief.
Despite these efforts, the loss of Akin and Enns highlighted the vulnerability of Baltimore’s bullpen, making Raquet’s acquisition both strategic and timely.
Looking Ahead: Orioles’ Bullpen Strategy
Manager Brandon Hyde and his coaching staff now have more flexibility in constructing matchups, particularly against divisional rivals in the American League East. With Raquet in the mix, the Orioles can:
- Rotate left-handed arms more effectively in late innings
- Protect younger arms from overuse during multi-game stretches
- Utilize Raquet’s experience to guide bullpen strategies and mentor younger pitchers
The trade also provides insight into Baltimore’s willingness to prioritize immediate relief help over longer-term developmental prospects like Smith. This signals a win-now mindset while balancing the team’s competitive trajectory.
Conclusion
The Orioles’ trade for Nick Raquet from the Cardinals provides a timely solution to their left-handed bullpen shortage. With Akin and Enns sidelined, Raquet brings both experience and flexibility to Baltimore’s relief corps, addressing one of the team’s pressing needs.
While Brayden Smith is a promising prospect who will continue his development in St. Louis, the immediate impact of adding Raquet cannot be understated. As the Orioles navigate a challenging stretch in the 2026 season, this move ensures that manager Brandon Hyde has a reliable left-handed option for critical late-game situations.
Fans should expect Raquet to contribute quickly, potentially shaping Baltimore’s bullpen strategy and providing stability during a season where every inning counts.
