The Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles just pulled off a deal that’s all about depth, upside, and long-term value on both sides. The D-backs are sending versatile infielder Blaze Alexander to Baltimore in exchange for right-hander Kade Strowd and a pair of intriguing minor leaguers: Wellington Aracena and José Mejía.
Let’s break down what each side is getting - and why this trade could quietly pay off in a big way down the road.
What the Orioles Are Getting: Versatility and MLB Experience in Blaze Alexander
Blaze Alexander may not be a household name yet, but the 26-year-old brings something every contender craves: flexibility. In just two seasons at the big-league level, he’s already logged time at six different positions - a Swiss Army knife for any manager looking to mix and match late in games or cover injuries over a long season.
Offensively, Alexander posted a .706 OPS with 28 RBIs across 74 games last year. That’s not eye-popping, but it’s serviceable - especially when paired with his glove work. He’s credited with four defensive runs saved, and that kind of value across multiple spots on the diamond makes him an ideal fit for a team like Baltimore, which is looking to reinforce its bench with reliable, plug-and-play options.
For the Orioles, this is a low-risk move that adds a controllable, major-league-ready piece to a roster that’s already deep with talent. Alexander’s ability to fill in across the infield - and even in the outfield - gives them flexibility as they navigate a long season and potential postseason run.
What the Diamondbacks Are Getting: A Live Arm and Two High-Upside Prospects
In return, the D-backs are betting on upside - and they’re getting it in three different forms.
First, there’s Kade Strowd. The 28-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut in 2025 and made an immediate impression.
He posted a 1.71 ERA over 26 1/3 innings, striking out 24 and showing the kind of poise and command that could earn him a larger role in Arizona’s bullpen. He’s not a prospect anymore, but he’s still relatively fresh to the majors, and the D-backs clearly see potential in his arm.
Then there’s Wellington Aracena, a 21-year-old righty who split time between the Orioles’ and Mets’ minor league systems last season. He put up a strong 2.25 ERA with an impressive 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings across two levels.
That kind of swing-and-miss stuff is always going to turn heads, and he was ranked as the Orioles’ No. 26 prospect before the trade. He’s still a few steps away from the bigs, but there’s real potential here.
Rounding out the deal is José Mejía, a 20-year-old infielder from the Dominican Republic who posted an .821 OPS in the low minors last season. He’s young, raw, and still developing, but those numbers suggest a bat that could grow into something more. For Arizona, Mejía represents a long-term play - a chance to develop a toolsy infielder who could eventually contribute at the big-league level.
The Bottom Line
This is one of those trades that might not dominate headlines, but it’s the kind of move that smart front offices make to quietly improve their roster construction.
For the Orioles, it’s about adding a proven utility man who can contribute right away. For the Diamondbacks, it’s a calculated investment in pitching depth and young talent.
No blockbuster names here, but plenty of potential impact - both now and in the future.