Baltimore Orioles Acquire Reliable Starting Pitcher From Athletics

Jeff Passan of EPSN reports that the Baltimore Orioles have acquired left-handed starting pitcher Cole Irvin from the Oakland Athletics.

In exchange, the Athletics are acquiring right-handed pitcher Kyle Virbitsky and infield prospect Darell Hernaiz.

The Orioles have reportedly acquired LHP Cole Irvin and RHP Kyle Virbitsky from the Oakland A's.

Infield prospect Darell Hernaiz is reportedly headed to the Athletics in the deal. pic.twitter.com/lg72gvoFXO

— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) January 26, 2023

The twenty-nine-year-old Irvin compiled a decent 3.98 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts over 181 innings and 30 starts last season. Although he doesn't contain much swing and miss, Irvin has great control and is a reliable starting pitcher. He's also not even arbitration eligible yet.

Not only that, but Irvin should benefit from the now pitcher-friendly Camden Yards in Baltimore. 

This is a sneaky good move for the Orioles and Irvin should perform well with his new team.

The A's receive Kyle Virbitsky, a 6-foot-7, 235 lbs starting pitcher, who posted a 4.63 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 140 strikeouts over 126.1 innings and 22 starts in Triple-A last season. He's twenty-four years old.

In addition, the A's also receive the Orioles' 16th-ranked prospect Darell Hernaiz. The twenty-one-year-old infielder slashed a solid .273/.341/.438 line, with 12 home runs, 62 RBIs, 32 stolen bases and 72 runs scored over 105 games last season, split between three minor-league levels.

It's a solid trade for both sides.

In a corresponding move, and to free up a spot on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez for assignment
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports