The 2024 trade deadline has officially ended. The Baltimore Orioles were busy the last few days, acquiring pitchers Seranthony Dominguez, Zach Eflin, and Trevor Rogers. Baltimore was able to sneak in another move before the deadline ended, acquiring Chicago White Sox OF Eloy Jimenez.
The 27-year-old outfielder is having an “okay” season so far. Jimenez is hitting .240 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 65 games. Jimenez has dealt with a hamstring injury for the majority of the 2024 campaign. Originally posted on the IL May 22, 2024, he finally made his big-league return on June 23rd. Jimenez is very useful for the O’s, as he is very good against LHP. He has a .304 batting average against left handers, which is well above where some current Orioles outfielders are. Jimenez has primarily been the White Sox DH, but he does have one start in right field.
The Orioles traded away left-hander Trey McGough in return. McGough has split time between the Orioles AA and AAA affiliates this season but has pitched very well. McGough has an ERA just below two in 54.1 innings pitched in 2024. He’s struck out 55 batters and only allowed two home runs out of the bullpen for the Baysox and Tides. The O’s selected McGough in the 2022 rule-5 draft after the Pirates selected him back in 2019.
This move is seen as a headscratcher for some fans that were looking for more pitching. The O’s offense has been one of the best in the league so far, so why add to it? The answer is simple: low risk, high reward. Jimenez is a valuable DH and can come off of the bench against left-handed relievers. Stick with Elias O’s fans, he knows how to build a team.
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