Orioles Secure Blaze Alexander in MLB Trade Rumors
The Baltimore Orioles have finalized a trade, acquiring infielder Blaze Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal also involves right-handed pitcher Kade Strowd, along with minor leaguers Wellington Aracena and José Mejia moving to Arizona.
Trade Details
This trade is a 40-man neutral exchange. Both Alexander and Strowd are the only players directly impacting the active roster. Alexander, who will turn 27 this June, has played for the Diamondbacks over the past two seasons.
Blaze Alexander’s Performance
- Games Played: 451 plate appearances
- Batting Average: .237
- On-base Percentage: .322
- Slugging Percentage: .366
- Strikeout Rate: 29.9%
Though his offensive statistics fall slightly below league averages, Alexander demonstrates versatility by covering three infield positions and spending some time in the outfield. However, his ability to maintain a roster spot with the Diamondbacks has diminished, as he has exhausted his final option season. This offseason, Arizona has been strategic in streamlining its roster, trading players who are on the brink of the major leagues.
Arizona’s Infield Dynamics
The Diamondbacks now have a solid infield, led by Nolan Arenado at third base, Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop, and Ketel Marte at second base. With Alexander’s departure, players like Tim Tawa and Jordan Lawlar are potential candidates for versatile bench roles. Reports indicate that Arizona plans to explore free agency for additional infield support.
Baltimore’s Infield Strategy
In contrast, the Orioles are keen on utilizing Alexander as a valuable multi-position bench player. Baltimore’s infield depth includes Jordan Westburg at third, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, and Jackson Holliday at second base. Alexander is expected to enhance this rotation, particularly against left-handed pitchers.
Player Statistics Against Left-Handers
- Batting Average: .269
- On-base Percentage: .365
- Slugging Percentage: .434
- Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+): 125
With several left-handed hitters on the roster, such as Henderson and Holliday, Alexander will help the Orioles mitigate matchups against tough lefties. As he is out of options but possesses only one year of service time, the Orioles might retain control over him for up to five seasons before he reaches free agency.
Kade Strowd’s Move to Arizona
The Diamondbacks receive Kade Strowd as part of this exchange. Strowd, aged 28, made his major league debut last season, pitching 26.1 innings across 25 appearances. His performance included a 1.71 earned run average, but he had a walk rate of 12.4% while generating ground balls at an impressive 56.7% rate.
Strowd’s Potential Impact
Although Strowd’s ERA appears favorable, some statistics suggest he benefited from good luck. He has 74 days of major league service and is at least three years away from arbitration eligibility. His ability to control the strike zone will be vital, especially given the Diamondbacks’ recent bullpen struggles, which left them with a collective 4.82 ERA in the previous season.
Minor League Acquisitions
Along with Strowd, the Diamondbacks will welcome two minor leaguers, Wellington Aracena and José Mejia. Aracena, 21, has shown promise with a 2.25 ERA and a 30.3% strikeout rate last season. However, he needs to improve his control, evident from his 13.6% walk rate.
Mejia, only 20, is also a long-term prospect, with limited experience at the professional level. His development trajectory will be closely monitored as he continues in the minors.
The trade appears strategically beneficial for both clubs, each looking to address specific roster needs ahead of the new MLB season.
