Orioles Trade Former Top Pitching Prospect to Dodgers

Chayce McDermott heads to LA after struggling in Baltimore

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the various angles and planes of a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, conceptually representing the trade of a former top prospect between two major league teams.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the complexity and dynamism of the game as the Orioles trade a once-promising prospect to the championship-contending Dodgers.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore Orioles have traded former top pitching prospect Chayce McDermott to the Los Angeles Dodgers. McDermott, who was once a highly touted minor league arm, has struggled to find his footing at the major league level with the Orioles. The Dodgers are hoping a change of scenery can help McDermott rediscover the form that made him a standout prospect.

Why it matters

This trade represents a changing of the guard for the Orioles, who are moving on from a once-promising young pitcher in McDermott. It also shows the Dodgers' willingness to take a chance on reclamation projects as they aim to maintain their status as one of the top teams in baseball.

The details

The Orioles designated McDermott for assignment last week before trading him to the Dodgers on Thursday. In return, Baltimore received 20-year-old pitching prospect Axel Perez from the Dodgers. McDermott, a fourth-round pick by the Astros in 2021, had a strong 2023 season in the minors but struggled to translate that success to the majors with the Orioles. The Dodgers are hoping a change of scenery can help the 25-year-old right-hander regain his form.

  • The Orioles designated Chayce McDermott for assignment last week.
  • The trade between the Orioles and Dodgers was completed on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Chayce McDermott

A former top pitching prospect in the Orioles' system who has struggled to find success at the major league level.

Axel Perez

A 20-year-old pitching prospect from the Dominican Republic who the Orioles received in the trade with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The back-to-back World Series champion team that acquired Chayce McDermott in the trade with the Orioles.

Baltimore Orioles

The team that traded away former top pitching prospect Chayce McDermott to the Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“Righthander Chayce McDermott is being traded to Dodgers from Orioles”

— Jon Heyman, MLB Insider

What’s next

The Dodgers will likely send McDermott to their Triple-A affiliate to start, with the possibility of a late-season call-up to the majors if he impresses.

The takeaway

This trade represents a changing of the guard for the Orioles, who are moving on from a once-promising young pitcher in McDermott. It also shows the Dodgers' willingness to take a chance on reclamation projects as they aim to maintain their status as one of the top teams in baseball.