The Baltimore Orioles front office is making early moves to reshape their pitching depth for the 2026 season, completing a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. The Orioles announced the acquisition of 20-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Axel Perez in exchange for right-hander Chayce McDermott.

This deal effectively closes the book on McDermott's time in Baltimore, a former top prospect who struggled to translate his minor-league success to the highest levels. Just one week after being designated for assignment, McDermott heads to Los Angeles, allowing the Orioles to secure an asset rather than risk losing him on waivers.

McDermott's journey highlights the unpredictable path of pitching prospects. After posting strong ERAs in Double-A and Triple-A and making his MLB debut in 2024, his performance declined sharply. The past two seasons were particularly tough, culminating in a 6.21 ERA in 2025 and continued command issues this spring, leading the Orioles to make a change.

In return, the Orioles are betting on long-term potential. Axel Perez, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is a raw but intriguing arm in just his third professional season. This trade reflects a classic baseball strategy: a team in win-now mode like the Dodgers acquires a player they hope can contribute soon, while the Orioles add a young arm to their developmental pipeline for the future.

For Orioles fans, it's another step in the ongoing construction of the roster, emphasizing the constant evaluation and turnover that defines building a competitive pitching staff. It's a reminder that in baseball, today's trade could be the foundation for tomorrow's success.