The Baltimore Orioles are an incredibly deep organization.

Not only do they have stars everywhere on their Major League roster, but they also have the top farm system in baseball with many of those players sitting in Triple-A waiting for their opportunity.

Entering the 2024 season with massive expectations following their surprise year where they won their division and the most games in the American League, the front office decided to be aggressive and trade for Corbin Burnes.

That move has worked out incredibly so far.

Not only is he in the mix for an AL Cy Young award with a 2.35 ERA across his 12 starts, but he also made this rotation one of the best in the MLB with Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez slotted behind him.

The Orioles had plenty of candidates they could choose from to fill out the backend of their rotation, especially with John Means returning from his Tommy John surgery.

Unfortunately, Baltimore was dealt a major blow when it was announced both Means and Tyler Wells are undergoing surgery to repair the UCLs in their throwing arms that will cause them to miss the rest of the year.

All of a sudden, their depth is going to be tested.

That’s why Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report lists the Orioles as one of the top candidates to go out and acquire Miami Marlins ace Jesus Luzardo ahead of the trade deadline.

The left-hander was on the radar of Baltimore during this past offseason as they were looking for an elite starter to slot into the top of their rotation. Ultimately, they pivoted to Burnes, but they could resume trade conversations centered around Luzardo following this news.

Two positives would come from general manager Mike Elias pulling this off.

One, they would land yet another high-end arm that likely gives them the best rotation in the entire sport.

Secondly, Luzardo is under contract through 2026, so they would have a cost-controlled player for multiple years to have as a contingency plan in case they aren’t able to re-sign Burnes in free agency after this season.

However, it’s going to be a hefty asking price to meet, something they found out during the winter.

Reuter thinks it would take a package of Enrique Bradfield Jr., Cade Povich, and Connor Norby to land the ace.

All three of those prospects are ranked inside the Orioles’ Top 10, with Bradfield being the highest at No. 5. This would allow Baltimore to keep Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, Heston Kjerstad, and Coby Mayo which would be a win.

Still, this might be too much for Elias to give up considering he doesn’t normally like to ship out some of his best prospects.

But, if the Orioles are truly serious about being contenders this year and beyond, then landing someone like Luzardo would have them on that path more so than holding onto unproven prospects would.

Inter Miami and St. Louis City played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Chase Stadium, a game that will go down as one of the best of the MLS season to date.

The visitors were never likely to be cowed but they exceeded all expectation with a daring, front-foot display kick-started by a stunning opener from Chris Durkin, spinning to fire home form the edge of the box. Soon after Lionel Messi levelled things with an equally clinical strike on 25 minutes but that was just the start. 

Former Heron Indiana Vassilev nudged his side back ahead with five minutes of the first half remaining. Then it was Miami’s turn as Messi, Jordi Alba and finally Luis Suarez combined in a sweeping attacking move, the Uruguayan finishing coolly at the back post. 

The pace slowed slightly in the second half but St. Louis remained a threat and took a deserved lead on 68 minutes when Suarez nodded into his own net from a corner kick. Inter Miami pushed for a leveller but were frustrated by Roman Burki, who made a string of good saves.

Finally, however, the Herons were level when Jordi Alba latched onto a clever through-ball from Julian Gressel and beat the impressive Burki from close range. 

No farewell victory for Messi as he prepares to leave for Copa America, but fond memories for those who witnessed a six-goal thriller in South Florida. 

Inter Miami CF II is gearing up for more MLS NEXT Pro action, taking on cross-state rivals Orlando City B in the 2024 campaign. The match will be held at Chase Stadium on Sunday, June 2, at 6 p.m. ET. Subscribe to MLS NEXT Pro Season Pass on Apple TV to tune in to the game by clicking HERE.

Inter Miami CF II secured a road victory in their latest fixture against Cincinnati 2 last Sunday. The win was highlighted by captain Sessock’s first goal of the MLS NEXT Pro season, who scored heroically in the 90th minute. Bryan Destin provided the assist, allowing Sessock to showcase his prowess with a clinical finish. This decisive goal earned the Herons three points on the road and marked Sessock’s first goal of the season.

Notably, Inter Miami CF II is set to host Orlando City B in their second matchup of the 2024 campaign. Exactly two months ago, Inter Miami II traveled to Bradenton, FL, and secured a 0-2 victory over their rivals. They now aim to defend their prowess as they meet for the second time this 2024 season.

Additionally, forward Leo Afonso currently leads the Inter Miami CF II with four goals, meanwhile, forward Ryan Carmichael is the team’s leader in assists with three.

In their latest fixture, Orlando City B defeated Huntsville City FC 5-0, securing their fourth win of the season. Currently, Orlando City B ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points, holding a record of 4 wins, 3 losses, and 3 ties (4W-3L-3T). Additionally, Orlando City B striker Shakur Mohammed has scored in his last four appearances and is tied for fourth among the league leaders in goals scored.

Inter Miami II aims to retain their Florida dominance over cross-state rivals Orlando City B on Sunday, June 2, at 6 p.m. ET in their second matchup of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, looking to replicate their previous success and assert their prowess once again.