Trade Idea: Ryan Dempster to the Orioles

The Orioles have become one of the highest contending teams in the AL East almost overnight from last year. In many baseball circles, they weren't even in talks for finishing in third place, let alone being one of the betters teams in the AL East this year. The two things keeping the Orioles up this season are their relief pitching, but most of all, their hitting. If the Orioles plan on competiting all season long and having a chance to go deep into the playoffs, they are going to need a solid starting pitcher to help anchor the staff for the long run. Since this is their first season competing in a very long time, they might not want to empty the farm on what might be a fluke season, so if I was Dan Duquette, I would try and add a somewhat easy to obtain, proven starter.

The Cubs are in the midst of one of their worst seasons in a couple of years, leading the National League in losses. They need to gain prospects, and they have a couple of good pitchers reaching free agency. Ryan Dempster is in the middle of what seems like a career year, but may only be an illusion since he is 35. He is owed $14 million this year, which will make the asking price on him lower unless the Cubs pick up a significant amount of money. He also has 10 and 5 rights, giving him more leverage in trade talks. Although he may want to remain in Chicago, it might be in his interest to try and win a ring before he retires, so he might be open to being traded to a contender.

Here is my trade proposal....
RHP Ryan Dempster and $6 million to the Orioles for RHP Parker Bridwell, OF L.J. Hoes, RHP Kyle Simon

I think this a fairly even trade. The Orioles get a proven starter and the Cubs get a trio of prospects that may be part of the future team. Ryan Dempster may get what he wants by being traded to a contender, but may exercise his 10 and 5 rights so he doesn't have to go to Baltimore. Also, if the Cubs extend Matt Garza, Dempster may one, if not, the best starter on the trade market, driving the price up on him, maybe making him too expensive for teams like the Orioles. If the Orioles make it to the playoffs after acquiring Dempster, they might extend him an offer for a 2 or 3 year deal to keep him around, providing them with the valuable veteran presence in the rotation and what might be 200 innings of 3.50 ERA ball.