Orioles Acquire Bullpen Arm in Trade With Pirates
The Baltimore Orioles have kicked off the All-Star break with a trade.
On Monday, the Orioles announced that they acquired right-handed reliever Cam Sanders from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, Baltimore transferred left-handed reliever Keegan Akin to the 60-day injured list.
The Pirates have traded RHP Cam Sanders to the Orioles for cash considerations. Sanders was designated for assignment Saturday to make room on the roster after the trade with the White Sox
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) July 13, 2026
Sanders, 29, was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh on Saturday, clearing 40-man roster space for the recently acquired Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert. The move came a day after the right-hander was optioned to Triple-A for the maximum fifth time this season, and that is where he will begin with the Orioles organization.
A former 12th-round draft pick, Sanders spent six years in the Chicago Cubs' farm system before signing a minor league deal with Pittsburgh in January 2025. The right-hander made his MLB debut on Aug. 5, pitching two scoreless innings in relief against the San Francisco Giants. He appeared in five more games down the stretch, allowing six runs over his next 4.2 innings.
In 9.1 big-league innings this season, Sanders has struggled to an 8.68 ERA, allowing nine earned runs on nine hits and 10 walks. He has impressed at Triple-A, however, posting a 2.96 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 44 strikeouts in just 24.1 innings.
Sanders strikes out the side in order. pic.twitter.com/DC3LOdGudt
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) April 11, 2026
Sanders primarily leaned on a mid-90s fastball and upper-80s slider with the Pirates, though he does have a changeup and sinker in his arsenal as well. Control has been an issue for him throughout his professional career, but when he finds the zone, those first two pitches are very tough to hit. His four-seamer and slider have both generated whiff rates above 40 percent in a limited MLB sample this year, something the Orioles will try to build on.
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Akin, meanwhile, has been sidelined since late June with a UCL injury and is scheduled to meet with Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday for a second opinion. The 31-year-old southpaw has been a go-to high-leverage relief arm for Baltimore in recent seasons but has struggled with injuries in 2026. He missed a month with a groin strain earlier this year and now could be facing an even more extended absence.
Baltimore is also currently without closer Ryan Helsley (elbow inflammation) and All-Star reliever Félix Bautista, who is working his way back from shoulder surgery. Rico Garcia, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge have shared late-inning duties in their absence.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:15 AM.