Story by
Baltimore Orioles Announce Trade With Los Angeles Dodgers
- Story by
- Baltimore Orioles Announce Trade With Los Angeles Dodgers
(© Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images)
The Baltimore Orioles made a roster move on Thursday as the front office continues reshaping organizational pitching depth early in the 2026 season. The Orioles announced on Thursday, via their X account, that they have acquired right-hander Axel Perez in exchange for right-hander Chayce McDermott in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers .
The deal comes one week after Baltimore designated McDermott for assignment. Rather than risking another team claiming him off of waivers, Los Angeles swooped in and completed a trade with Baltimore.
Advertisement
For the Orioles, this move is about moving on from a former top prospect who never figured it out at the upper levels of Baltimore's system.
McDermott was once viewed as a potential rotation piece for Baltimore. The 27-year-old posted strong numbers in 2022 and 2023, including a 3.10 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A and a 3.78 ERA the following season in Triple-A. He even made his MLB debut in 2024, throwing four innings and appearing on track to contribute to the big-league staff.
But the past two seasons told a different story. McDermott's 2025 campaign unraveled quickly, as he was hit hard in his first 11 Triple-A starts.
Advertisement
Baltimore shifted him to the bullpen which did not change much. Across 25 appearances, he owned an abysmal 6.21 ERA. Unfortunately for McDermott, his struggles continued into 2026.
He has allowed four runs, five hits and six walks in 5 1/3 innings in Triple-A Norfolk, and his spring training work included three solo home runs allowed in just three innings. With his final minor-league option year already in use and command issues persisting, the Orioles ultimately chose to move on.
Perez, the pitcher Baltimore is acquiring, is a long-term developmental play. The 20-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic is in just his third professional season and has only 23 innings of experience.
He originally signed with Los Angeles in January 2024 and spent last year in the Dominican Summer League. Perez is years away from being a factor at the MLB level, but the Orioles see value in adding a young arm with projection rather than losing McDermott for nothing.
Advertisement
For Baltimore, this trade is not about immediate impact. If Perez develops, the Orioles could eventually benefit from a low-risk, long-term investment. If not, the move still allowed Baltimore to recoup value for a pitcher who no longer factored into their plans.
The Orioles will now continue evaluating internal options as they look to stabilize their pitching staff for the months ahead.
