MLB trade rumors: Orioles acquire former Oriole Steve Pearce from Rays

The Orioles and Rays waited until the very last minute to pull off a deal at the trade deadline. The Orioles are bringing once and future Oriole Steve Pearce back to Baltimore.

The cost to re-acquire Pearce was catcher Jonah Heim, who was recently rated the #13 prospect in the system by MLB.com. Heim, a fourth round pick from the 2013 draft, has been at Frederick this year, where he batted .216/.300/.344. His defensive skills are much better than his bat at this point.

If the bat never develops, he’s probably a backup catcher at best. If the bat does develop, which given the history of Orioles desperation trade deadline moves, it probably will, then the Orioles will look like idiots for giving up Heim for a guy they could have just signed this past offseason for $4.75 million.

But you know, I like Pearce. Maybe he replaces Nolan Reimold on the roster. He brings more versatility than Reimold, and better performance at the plate, provided he’s deployed in the proper platoon. And Team Steve is Team Steve. Never doubt the power of Team Steve.

It’s been like 2014 all over again for Pearce with the Rays this year. In 60 games - he missed time with a hamstring issue - Pearce has batted .309/.388/.520. With the O’s offense mired in the slump it’s in, I think they can find room for Pearce somewhere, don’t you?