Guardians Connected to Baltimore Orioles in Potential Blockbuster Trade
The Baltimore Orioles figure to be busy actors this winter in the trade market but they will likely be offloading veteran talent rather than adding it.
Even after winning 103 games during the 2023 MLB season.
One name that has recently popped up as a potential trade candidate is that of Austin Hays. Away Back Gone postulated in a recent column that the Cleveland Guardians could be interested in Hays as they need additional help in the outfield come next season.
However, Hays has two years left of control and he had a breakout season in 2023 slashing .275/.324/.44 and made the American League All-Star team.
All that to say, he won't come cheap.
That's why in the same article the author listed Shane Bieber as the potential return in a trade package headlined by Hays.
The Orioles had solid pitching this season, but adding another proven, ace-like arm to the rotation could pay huge dividends for a team that will once again be looking to win the vaunted AL East.
Baltimore also has an excess of outfielders.
If the Guardians are going to be persuaded to move on from a potential ace like Bieber, it will require controllable Major League pieces in return.
Hays fits that bill.
For now, the Hot Stove has not officially been lit, but the kitchen is already starting to get warm. As the World Series approaches, the rumors of what the team could decide to do will only grow louder.
Moving Hays is only one potential possibility of what is shaping up to be a wild winter.
