Orioles trade Scott, Sulser to Marlins for prospects, draft choice

SARASOTA, Florida—The Orioles have traded two of their most experienced relief pitchers, Tanner Scott and Cole Sulser, to the Miami Marlins for 17-year-old Dominican centerfielder Kevin Guerrero, 25-year-old left-handed pitcher Antonio Velez and Miami’s Competitive Balance Round B pick in this summer’s draft.

Scott, who settled his arbitration case for $1.05 million last month, was 9-8 with a 4.73 ERA and one save in five seasons with the Orioles. Last year, the 27-year-old Scott was 5-4 with a 5.17 ERA in 62 games. The left-hander had two stints on the 10-day injured list because of a left knee sprain and had a 9.82 ERA in the second half.

Sulser, who was claimed on waivers from Tampa Bay just after the 2019 season, was 6-9 with a 3.45 ERA and 13 saves in 2020 and 2021. The 32-year-old right-hander was a candidate to close for the Orioles.

Guerrero batted .260 with 11 RBIs in 40 games with the Marlins’ entry in the Dominican Summer League last season.

Velez was 7-2 with a 2.55 ERA in 23 games last season with High-A Beloit and Double-A Pensacola.

The deal opens two spots on the 40-man roster. The Orioles need to add a backup catcher to Robinson Chirinos and could add infielder Chris Owings, who signed a minor league contract.

Right-handers Jorge López and Dillon Tate are contenders to close for the Orioles.

The Orioles have 40 players on their spring training roster.