As the Baltimore Orioles gear up for spring training, there’s a lingering sense that their roster isn’t quite complete—and it’s not just about landing that elusive frontline starting pitcher. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the bullpen’s backend is solid with Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge, the team is missing a crucial piece—a reliable left-handed reliever. And this is the part most people miss: without a true lefty specialist, the Orioles are taking a bold gamble that could backfire in high-pressure situations.
The Orioles’ approach to building their pitching staff has always been unique, but entering the season without a dedicated left-handed reliever feels like a risky move. The free-agent market for lefty relievers is slim, so if the Orioles want to address this gap, they’ll likely need to explore the trade market. Here are three under-the-radar trade targets who could solve this quiet but pressing need.
1. JoJo Romero: The Consistent Lefty Specialist
The St. Louis Cardinals have been in full teardown mode this offseason, trading away key players like Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan. Amid this overhaul, JoJo Romero stands out as one of the few remaining assets with just one year left on his contract. Since joining the Cardinals, Romero has been a model of consistency, posting a 2.93 ERA and 3.40 FIP across 157 appearances since 2023. Left-handed batters have struggled against him, managing a meager .185/.274/.255 slash line.
Romero is exactly the kind of dependable lefty the Orioles need, and with the Cardinals looking to shed talent, the price tag shouldn’t be astronomical. But here’s the question: Are the Orioles willing to make a move for a player who, while effective, might not be a long-term solution?
2. Aaron Ashby: The High-Upside Gamble
The Milwaukee Brewers face the opposite problem: their bullpen is overloaded with left-handed options. While teams can never have too much pitching, Ashby’s situation is intriguing. He’s been plagued by injuries in recent years, and his $5.7 million salary for 2026 makes him one of the pricier lefty relievers on the Brewers’ roster. Compare that to Jared Koenig, DL Hall, Angel Zerpa, and Rob Zastryzny, who will collectively earn less than $3.5 million next season.
Ashby’s numbers are impressive when healthy—a 2.16 ERA, 2.70 FIP, and elite ground ball and barrel rates. Left-handed batters hit just .193/.299/.241 against him. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Ashby worth the risk given his injury history? The Brewers have a history of prioritizing cost-effective production, as seen in their trades of Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, and Corbin Burnes. Would the Orioles be overpaying for a player who might not stay healthy?
3. Tanner Scott: The High-Risk, High-Reward Rebound Candidate
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Tanner Scott to a massive contract after his stellar 2023 and 2024 seasons, but his first year in LA was a disaster. By the World Series, he was barely usable. For a team as wealthy as the Dodgers, this isn’t a crippling blow, but even they’d prefer not to pay double-digit millions for a player who doesn’t impact their championship chances.
The Orioles have boasted about having “no financial restrictions” this offseason, yet their projected 2026 payroll remains lower than last year. If they’re serious about spending, they could take Scott’s contract off the Dodgers’ hands and bet on a rebound. After all, in 2024, he posted a 1.23 FIP against left-handed batters. But here’s the question: Is Scott’s 2023 form a fluke, or can he return to dominance?
Final Thoughts and Your Turn
These three trade targets offer the Orioles different paths to addressing their bullpen’s left-handed weakness. Romero is the safe, consistent choice; Ashby is the high-upside gamble; and Scott is the high-risk, high-reward play. But here’s where it gets controversial: Which of these options would you choose, and why? Do the Orioles need to prioritize reliability, potential, or a bounce-back candidate? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
