The Baltimore Orioles made another move to bolster their pitching depth this week, acquiring right-handed reliever Cam Sanders from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations.
While the transaction may not rank among the most prominent deals of the season, it reflects Baltimore’s ongoing effort to strengthen its roster amid injuries and uncertainty within its bullpen. The Orioles simultaneously transferred left-hander Keegan Akin to the 60-day injured list, creating space on the club’s 40-man roster.
Sanders, 29, arrives in Baltimore after spending parts of the past two seasons with Pittsburgh. Though his major league numbers have been inconsistent, the Orioles appear intrigued by his power arsenal and believe there may still be untapped potential in the veteran reliever.
For a team attempting to remain competitive throughout the second half of the campaign, acquiring controllable pitching depth carries significant value. Sanders will begin his tenure with the organization at Triple-A Norfolk, where Baltimore hopes he can refine his command and position himself for another opportunity in the majors.
1. A New Opportunity in Baltimore
Sanders’ path to Baltimore has been anything but conventional. Pittsburgh designated the right-hander for assignment on July 11 after a series of roster moves forced the organization to create additional space.
The Pirates had recently acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed reliever Brandon Eisert, leaving Sanders without a place on the active roster. Rather than exposing him to waivers and potentially receiving nothing in return, Pittsburgh elected to complete a cash transaction with Baltimore.
The Orioles quickly assigned Sanders to Triple-A following the acquisition, signaling that they view him as a developmental project rather than an immediate solution at the major league level. Given Baltimore’s recent success identifying and maximizing overlooked talent, the move fits a familiar organizational pattern.
Front offices across baseball frequently target pitchers with intriguing raw tools, particularly those who can generate swings and misses. Sanders checks that box, even if his inability to consistently throw strikes has limited his effectiveness to this point in his career.
2. The Numbers Tell Two Stories
Statistically, Sanders’ 2026 season has been a mixed bag. Across nine appearances for Pittsburgh, he posted an 8.68 ERA over 9.1 innings while recording 13 strikeouts and issuing 10 walks.
At first glance, those numbers are difficult to overlook. His 2.04 WHIP and elevated walk totals illustrate the command issues that have plagued him throughout his limited time in the majors. Opposing hitters managed a .250 batting average against him, further contributing to his struggles.
Yet beneath the surface, there are signs that explain Baltimore’s interest. Sanders struck out 27.1% of the batters he faced this season, an encouraging figure that demonstrates the effectiveness of his raw stuff when he is around the strike zone.
His pitch mix remains particularly intriguing. Sanders primarily relies on a four-seam fastball and slider, while occasionally mixing in a changeup against left-handed hitters. He also introduced a sinker this season after moving away from his sweeper. Notably, both his fastball and slider generated whiff rates exceeding 40% in limited action—a number that suggests his pitches can be highly effective when executed properly.
3. Injuries Create a Need for Depth
The timing of Baltimore’s acquisition is significant given the uncertainty surrounding Keegan Akin’s health. The veteran left-hander has been sidelined since late June with a UCL injury and now appears likely to miss an extended period.
Akin has been a dependable presence within the Orioles organization since debuting in 2020. Last season, he recorded a career-high eight saves while continuing to serve in multiple bullpen roles. His absence leaves Baltimore with another hole to fill as the season progresses.
The Orioles’ decision to transfer Akin to the 60-day injured list underscores the seriousness of the situation. A scheduled visit with renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. Keith Meister has only added to concerns regarding the long-term outlook for the left-hander.
In that context, adding Sanders becomes easier to understand. While he may not immediately impact the major league roster, his presence provides organizational insurance at a position where depth is often tested over the course of a 162-game season.