The Baltimore Orioles continue to reshape their pitching depth early in the 2026 season, acquiring left-handed reliever Nick Raquet from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for minor league outfielder/infielder Brayden Smith.
The lefty-hitting Smith was the O’s 13th-round pick last year after spending one season at Oklahoma State. He hit .200 with one home run while drawing 12 walks in 16 games at Low-A Delmarva to begin his pro career.
Raquet, 30, made his major-league debut in 2025 and has just two big-league appearances under his belt — both scoreless outings spanning one inning each.
While his résumé is limited, Raquet’s recent minor-league performance shows promise. During the 2025 season, he posted a 2.24 ERA across 52.1 innings with a strong 28% strikeout rate. His fastball sits around 90–91 mph, but it is his breaking ball — typically in the low-80s — that has driven his success and helped fuel his return to affiliated baseball after time away from the game.
Raquet’s journey is anything but typical. Originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2017, he never advanced past A-ball before being released in 2020. After stepping away from the game, he rebuilt his career through independent leagues and winter ball, eventually earning a minor-league deal with St. Louis in 2024 and climbing his way to the majors the following year.
With minor-league options remaining, Raquet provides flexibility for the Orioles, especially when the likes of Keegan Akin, Andrew Kittredge and Dietrich Enns return from injury.
Speaking of injuries, to make room for Raquet on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have transferred right-hander Zach Eflin to the 60-day IL. Elbow discomfort forced Eflin to make an early exit during his season debut on March 31, and he recently went for a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister.
Right-hander Brandon Young has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Raquet on the 26-man roster. He will wear No. 72.
What are your thoughts on this acquisition? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment