Dodgers Acquire Chayce McDermott from Orioles

On April 16, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league pitcher Axel Perez. McDermott, previously designated for assignment by the Orioles, will report to the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City. The trade comes as the Dodgers seek to bolster their pitching depth amid injury concerns within their roster.

HeavyDodgers make trade with Orioles for right-handed pitcherSports IllustratedLos Angeles Dodgers Acquire Pitcher Chayce McDermott From Orioles

Chayce McDermott, 27, was once regarded as the Orioles' top pitching prospect, having been drafted by the Houston Astros in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He was part of a three-team trade that sent Trey Mancini to the Astros in 2022. McDermott's minor league performance included a 3.10 ERA across 68.1 innings in Double-A and a 3.78 ERA with 144 strikeouts in 100 innings at Triple-A during the 2024 season. However, his transition to the major leagues has been challenging, with a combined 12.79 ERA over 12.2 innings in MLB appearances across 2024 and 2025.

Dodgers trade for Orioles pitcher whose stuff is far better than his ghastly ERAHeavySports IllustratedLos Angeles Dodgers Acquire Pitcher Chayce McDermott From Orioles

Despite his promising minor league statistics, McDermott has struggled with command at the major league level, walking 14 batters while striking out only 12. His 2025 season was particularly difficult, culminating in a 15.58 ERA over 8.2 innings in MLB and a 6.21 ERA in Triple-A. The Orioles' decision to designate him for assignment was influenced by their depth in pitching and the need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster.

Los Angeles Dodgers Acquire Pitcher Chayce McDermott From Orioles

The Dodgers have a history of successfully rehabilitating pitchers with command issues, and they will aim to refine McDermott's skills. He primarily relies on a fastball and slider, with the potential for improvement in his secondary pitches. The Dodgers' pitching coaches will focus on addressing his command troubles, which could unlock his potential as a serviceable major leaguer.

Dodgers make trade with Orioles for right-handed pitcher

Critics have raised questions about the Orioles' decision to trade McDermott, suggesting that he was never given a fair chance to succeed at the major league level. Some analysts believe that the Orioles may regret this move, especially given McDermott's previous accolades, including being named the Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2023. There are concerns that the Dodgers may have acquired a player with untapped potential that the Orioles overlooked.

Orioles may regret ignoring bullpen arm Dodgers just swiped in a tradeSports IllustratedHeavyDodgers trade for Orioles pitcher whose stuff is far better than his ghastly ERA

As McDermott joins the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the organization will work to harness his swing-and-miss capabilities and improve his command. While he currently faces an uphill battle to return to the major leagues, the Dodgers' track record suggests that he may have a chance to develop into an effective bullpen option in the future. The trade reflects the Dodgers' ongoing strategy to enhance their pitching depth while providing McDermott with a fresh start in a new environment.

Dodgers make trade with Orioles for right-handed pitcher

• “McDermott was the Orioles' top pitching prospect a year ago.” — Noah Camras, Sports Journalist

Sports Illustrated

• “The Dodgers will work with McDermott on his command troubles, and potentially turn him into a serviceable major leaguer.” — Noah Camras, Sports Journalist

Sports Illustrated

• “Did the Orioles miss something that the Dodgers found?” — Analysis from Birds Watcher

Orioles may regret ignoring bullpen arm Dodgers just swiped in a trade

• “If they can — and the odds are better for the Dodgers than most — McDermott could turn into an effective bullpen weapon down the line.” — Analysis from Dodgers Way

Dodgers trade for Orioles pitcher whose stuff is far better than his ghastly ERA