The Baltimore Orioles reached the postseason once again, but were eliminated in the first round by the Kansas City Royals. With several areas to address, including bolstering the starting rotation, the team could look to make improvements.

Ace Corbin Burnes is a free agent, and there’s a possibility he could depart, but regardless of his decision, GM Mike Elias will need to add another arm. One potential target is Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting that Baltimore may be interested.

“White Sox standout lefty Garrett Crochet is likely to be traded this winter,” Heyman wrote in a recent article. “With just two years remaining before free agency, Chicago should receive a much better return than the offers they received at the deadline. Rivals expect a ‘blue-chip’ prospect, and possibly more. The Dodgers and Phillies are leading the conversations, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, but the Orioles, with their deep pool of young talent, are also in the mix.”

Acquiring Garrett Crochet would likely come at a steep price, but Baltimore boasts one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. With a wealth of young talent already in the majors and more on the way, the Orioles could make a deal for Crochet without depleting their resources. The question now is whether GM Mike Elias and the front office will pull off another blockbuster trade for a high-profile starting pitcher two offseasons in a row. It’s definitely a possibility.

Garrett Crochet and the Orioles could be an ideal fit.

GM Mike Elias, the front office, and manager Brandon Hyde have built a major league roster filled with talent, especially in the starting lineup. Young stars like shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, and outfielder Colton Cowser are just the beginning. The upper minors also have players ready to make an impact, though they’re currently blocked by the team’s existing talent. As a result, a trade for Garrett Crochet is certainly a viable option.

Players such as corner infielder Coby Mayo, catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo, and outfielders Dylan Beavers and Jud Fabian are all close to major league readiness and could make an immediate impact at Camden Yards. These players could be key pieces in a trade for Garrett Crochet. Additionally, prospects further down the farm system, like pitchers Juan Nunez and Luis De Leon, are also worth keeping an eye on as potential trade assets.

The pieces are in place for the Orioles. They must take advantage of their wealth of young talent. The question is whether they’ll make the necessary moves to strengthen an already solid team, which is a key trait of championship-caliber teams.