When the Orioles traded Manny Machado last week, Dan Duquette memorably gave remarks in which he promised increased investment in international scouting. Based on recent history, no one believed him. On Friday, The Athletic Detroit’s Emily Waldon reported that the Orioles are close to striking a deal with Cuban outfielder Victor Victor Mesa. What if the Orioles are actually serious?
Closer to home, MASN’s Roch Kubatko agreed that the O’s “definitely have interest” in Mesa, who just turned 22 last week. However, there’s more to sort out than just tossing some money at the player because when it comes to young players leaving Cuba and coming to America things fall under “it’s complicated,” and not in the sense of vague Facebook relationship status but in the sense of actual complications.