The Orioles and Cubs have exchanged phone calls plenty of times of the last few months. With clubs heading towards two different directions, it makes sense why the two would be trying to strike a deal with each other.
However, a deal has still not happened, but a source told Sports Mockery late Sunday afternoon that the Orioles may be interested in adding CF Albert Almora Jr.
The #Orioles have interest in #Cubs CF Albert Almora Jr. Want to upgrade defensively at CF, would move Adam Jones to a corner outfield spot. Chicago would likely have to include Almora in any deal with Baltimore.
— Sean Sears (@seanrsears) November 19, 2017
The Cubs have been linked a few times to the Orioles in regards to their dynamic closer Zach Britton, but most believe the Cubs have other names in mind. Particularly starter Kevin Gausman, who has struggled in his time with Baltimore, but is a former top prospect in the Oriole system.
While our source did not list names of anyone the Cubs would move Almora for, he did hint at their interest in Gausman. Saying, “They would like Gausman,” which honestly isn’t saying much, but does confirm the Cubs would consider a deal involving him.
Now, Almora alone likely doesn’t make this deal work, and the Orioles want to acquire more pieces to try and avoid rebuilding. Maybe adding some like Kyle Schwarber or Javier Baez is something they consider if Gausman is involved, but that seems unlikely.
To move two cost-controlled pieces in Almora and Schwarber/Baez for Zach Britton and Kevin Gausman just doesn’t seem like a move the Cubs would make. Now, if the Orioles would accept some high-ceiling prospects who are a few years away, this deal could get done.
It all depends on if the Orioles would start a full rebuild, which also means accepting Manny Machado and Adam Jones leave after 2018. The O’s GM Peter Angelos would probably hate that option, which makes me think a deal like this doesn’t happen.
Source: #Orioles interested in Lance Lynn, in addition to Alex Cobb, among free-agent starting pitchers. Baltimore believed to have slight preference for Cobb, based in part on AL East experience. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 18, 2017
But, adding Almora Jr. to that Orioles roster does make sense, with Jones entering his age 32 season. Maybe the Orioles are tired of waiting on Gausman, possibly move him in a trade while addressing their rotation in free agency? All speculation and all unlikely for an owner who historically hates spending money.
But, with his club entering a very important year in terms of talent that could leave after this season, maybe they try one last push to win? The Royals did it last year, its possible the Orioles front office wants to give this group one last shot?
I just don’t see how both sides getting what they want without dramatically impacting their everyday roster. Which makes me think a deal isn’t happening.
