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Orioles Acquire Blaze Alexander in Trade Sending Kade Strowd and Two Prospects to Diamondbacks

The move signals Baltimore’s push for infield versatility heading into spring training.

Overview

  • Arizona receives right-hander Kade Strowd plus prospects Wellington Aracena and José Mejía in the confirmed four-player deal.
  • Alexander, 26, logged a .706 OPS over 74 games last season, has played shortstop, second, third and some outfield, and is out of options with team control through 2030.
  • Strowd, 28, delivered a 1.71 ERA across 26 1/3 innings in his 2025 debut and, according to GM Mike Hazen, will compete in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen immediately.
  • Aracena, 21, was ranked on Baltimore’s prospect lists and has touched 100 mph per Arizona’s evaluation, while Mejía, 20, advanced to High-A after strong on-base results in the Florida Complex League.
  • Arizona’s acquisition of Nolan Arenado and other infield additions had crowded Alexander’s path, prompting a pivot to bullpen help and prospect depth as camps near.