## Baltimore's O's Shake up Line-Up Amid Injuries, Acquire Outfielder Michael Conforto ### Yastrzemski Traded to Giants, Conforto Returns to AL East The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move to bolster their lineup, acquiring outfielder Michael Conforto from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who was sent to the San Francisco Giants. Conforto, a 29-year-old free agent, provides the Orioles with a much-needed boost to their offense. The left-handed hitter has a career batting average of .275 with 101 home runs and 354 RBIs in seven seasons with the Mets. He is expected to slot into the Orioles' lineup as their everyday right fielder. Yastrzemski, 31, has spent the past three seasons with the Giants, batting .272 with 35 home runs and 139 RBIs. He is a versatile player who can play all three outfield positions, but he is most comfortable in center field. The Giants are expected to use Yastrzemski as their primary center fielder in 2023. The Orioles have been looking to add a bat to their lineup since losing Trey Mancini to free agency earlier this offseason. Conforto fills that void and gives the Orioles a legitimate power threat in the middle of their order. The Giants, meanwhile, have been looking to upgrade their outfield defense, and Yastrzemski provides them with a solid option in center field. He is also a good hitter, so he should be able to contribute offensively as well. Both the Orioles and Giants are hoping that these trades will help them improve their teams in 2023. The Orioles are looking to make a run at the AL East title, while the Giants are hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season. ### Analysis The Orioles' acquisition of Conforto is a significant move that could help them contend for a playoff spot in 2023. Conforto is a proven hitter who can provide the Orioles with much-needed power and production in the middle of their lineup. The Giants' trade of Yastrzemski is a bit more puzzling, as he is a solid all-around player who could have been a valuable asset to the team. However, the Giants are clearly looking to upgrade their outfield defense, and Yastrzemski is not the best defensive outfielder. Overall, the Orioles made a good move in acquiring Conforto, while the Giants may have given up a bit too much in trading Yastrzemski. However, both teams are hoping that these trades will help them improve their teams in 2023. ### Sources * [Orioles acquire Conforto from Mets](https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-acquire-conforto-from-mets) * [Giants acquire Yastrzemski from Orioles](https://www.mlb.com/news/giants-acquire-yastrzemski-from-orioles)
Comments