In the baseball whirlwind that is the MLB trade deadline, the Orioles have found themselves as active participants for two consecutive years, eagerly bolstering their pitching roster under the guidance of GM Mike Elias.
Both the 2023 and 2024 seasons saw Elias making strategic moves to enhance the Orioles’ mound presence.
While the previous year’s acquisitions like Jack Flaherty didn’t pan out as expected, Elias persisted in 2024, orchestrating deals for four seasoned pitchers.
Today, we’re diving into the performance of three of those additions – Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, and Trevor Rogers – who each left their unique mark on the Orioles’ season.
Seranthony Domínguez: High Velocity, High Drama
First on the scene was Seranthony Domínguez. Acquired from the Phillies in exchange for outfielder Austin Hays on July 26, Domínguez arrived as a bit of an unexpected gift.
Known for his blistering fastball, ranking in the 96th percentile in velocity, he immediately became a crucial piece in the Orioles’ bullpen puzzle.
Domínguez seamlessly stepped into high-pressure situations, particularly filling the closer role as Craig Kimbrel faltered.
From August 10 onward, he delivered an impressive run, securing 10 saves in 11 tries with a commendable 3.97 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 22.2 innings.
Domínguez’s potential as a premier closer was evident, his pitches clocking a sizzling 98 mph on average.
Despite his prowess, the vulnerability that came with his powerful arm was his susceptibility to home runs – giving up six in his brief Orioles stint, including two devastating walk-off homers against the Mets.
While his postseason creds were solid, pitching scoreless innings during the Wild Card Series, it’s this quirk in his game that leaves fans and management pondering over his future with an $8 million option looming. Will the O’s consider him a viable setup man alongside Félix Bautista next season?
That’s the million-dollar (or eight million) question.
Gregory Soto: Finding Control Amid Chaos
Joining the Orioles’ bullpen frenzy was Gregory Soto, another electric arm lured from the Phillies’ ranks. Soto’s tale is one of raw power shadowed by a tendency to be wild, evidenced by a career punctuated by a 5+ BB/9 ratio.
His debut with the Orioles might have left fans wringing hands as Soto struggled, showcasing a bloated 54.00 ERA through his initial games due to some rough outings, including a disheartening four-run inning against Toronto.
However, Soto’s story took a positive twist when he began to harness his skills, carving out a streak of 10 scoreless appearances with a notable drop in walks. It was a turnaround that caught Manager Brandon Hyde’s eye, allowing Soto to become a trusted option in tight situations.
With arbitration on the horizon and forecasts predicting a bump to a $5.6 million salary, the Orioles have to weigh whether Soto’s late-season transformation is the real deal and if he’s destined for a greater role in 2025.
Trevor Rogers: The Gamble That Missed
And then there was Trevor Rogers. Of all the trade plays, this one stands out as particularly jarring.
The Orioles nabbed Rogers from the Marlins hoping to rekindle the spark of his All-Star rookie season.
Yet, unlike the intended stabilizing force for the O’s rotation amidst injuries, Rogers struggled mightily, surrendering 16 runs and 10 walks over his mere 19 innings with Baltimore.
The contrast between expectations and reality was starkened by Connor Norby’s explosive offense with Miami post-trade, making Orioles fans vocal about their frustrations.
Rogers found temporary solace with Norfolk, trying to refine his mechanics, but the jury is still out on whether he can reclaim his early-career form and if his acquisition will pay dividends for the Orioles in the long run.
With the winter months set to offer a host of decision points for the Orioles’ front office, each of these pitchers presents a unique case study in risk, reward, and strategic planning for the seasons to come.
Baltimore’s moves at the trade deadline have undoubtedly given fans much to ponder – and the front office, quite a few contracts to contemplate.
