Baltimore Orioles Potential Trade Target Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery

With the Baltimore Orioles likely becoming buyers at the trade deadline, one of their potential targets is no longer available after undergoing surgery.

Mar 2, 2024; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles have gotten off to a good start this season, something they needed with such high expectations placed upon them entering the year.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of their 5-2 start heading into Saturday's game was their ability to win without two of their projected starters available.

Once their No. 2 pitcher, Kyle Bradish, returns alongside backend guy John Means, this rotation should reach the next level like they were projected to be during the spring.

However, even once the Orioles get back some depth to this unit, it's likely the front office will be buyers at the trade deadline to boost this rotation even further.

One target that they might have pursued is former AL Cy Young winner and the current ace of the Cleveland Guardians, Shane Bieber.

The star right-hander had gotten off to a great start, throwing 12 scoreless innings and striking out a Major League-high 20 batters across his two appearances.

With Bieber playing out the final year of his contract before entering free agency, he was viewed as a prime trade candidate by multiple insiders if the Guardians weren't in a position to contend for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the righty will now miss the remainder of the season after he'll undergo Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow according to Mandy Bell of MLB.com.

This takes a major piece off the board who Baltimore could have potentially pursued as a short-term rental to help push them into true contender status.

The front office will likely still be in the market for starting pitching even if Bradish and Means return to form when back from injury, but they'll have to look elsewhere after Bieber will no longer be available during 2024.