Deep overhaul: Orioles change course before defying Cubs
The hour of renewal rang in Baltimore. As they prepare to start a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs this Friday, the Orioles arrive with an unrecognizable face. The deadline for transfers left traces, turning a workforce into a full-scale reconstruction.
A large household on the Orioles side
First significant movement: Andrew Kittredge. The launcher is in Chicago, trading against Wilfri De La Cruz, a young Dominican stopper of only 17 years old, still unknown to the general public but already very courted behind the scenes. And that was just the beginning.
Cedric Mullins, an iconic figure of Baltimore's outsiders, took the direction of the New York Mets, as did the left-hand launcher Gregory Soto. Ryan O的Hearn and Ramon Laureano joined the Padres of San Diego. Bryan Baker flew to Tampa Bay, Seranthony Dominguez landed at the Blue Jays, and Ramon Urias will continue his season under the Astros. A waltz of departures which could have sown doubt, but which instead reveals a clear strategy: to prepare the future without giving up the present.
Cubs go on offensive
On the other hand, the Cubs are not unemployed either. Far from figuring in the transfer market, they opted for a resolutely offensive stance. In addition to Kittredge, the rotation enriched with Michael Soroka, from the Nationals, and Taylor Rogers, a solid left-wing Pirates. The Swiss knife Willi Castro, disembarked from the Twins, completes a staff that now has clear ambitions for the rest of the season.
Trevor Rogers, the Orioles' asset to launch the series
To open this series at home, the Orioles rely on Trevor Rogers. The left-hand man is in great shape: four wins, a single defeat and an average of 1.49 points. A reassuring profile for a team that wants to quickly test the strength of its new group. Rogers will likely be closely monitored, as its regularity will be valuable in a transitional period.
Two philosophies, one ambition
In a week, the Orioles took a strong turn. They have relied on youth, potential and patience. Their willingness to remain competitive while building in the long term is now being assumed. The Cubs are running. Their message is clear: it's time to hit hard.
This duel between two visions of modern baseball promises a thrilling series. Between express integration for one and the first benchmarks for the other, each match will count. And the fans, on both sides, expect only one thing: that the promises of these new faces come to life on the diamond.
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