Orioles acquire pitching depth in trade with Reds

The Baltimore Orioles acquired a pitcher in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, the team announced. Baltimore received right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas from Cincinnati in exchange for cash considerations. The O’s optioned Nicolas to Triple-A after acquiring him and also designated right-handed pitcher Eduarniel Nunes for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Orioles’ pitching has had ups and downs this season. Adding Nicolas provides Baltimore with crucial pitching depth. The 27-year-old pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2023-2025. He displayed signs of potential and the Reds ultimately added him for the 2026 campaign. However, Nicolas turned in a lackluster 8.59 ERA across seven outings of the bullpen.

He could end up receiving an opportunity at the big league level down the road. For now, Nicolas will look to make an impact at the Triple-A level.

The Orioles have had some good moments in 2026, but their overall performance has been inconsistent for the most part. They are currently 29-33 overall and in fourth place in the American League East standings. Baltimore is 8.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the division as of this story’s writing.

On Thursday, the O’s are playing the Red Sox in Boston. The contest represents the final matchup of a three-game series. The series is tied 1-1 at the moment. The Orioles will do everything they can to earn a series win as they hope to develop some necessary momentum.

On Friday, Baltimore will begin a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays in another divisional matchup.