The Baltimore Orioles entered this season with high hopes, more than just a playoff push, but things haven’t gone according to plan. A lack of offseason aggression, particularly in failing to land a frontline starter, combined with the departure of Corbin Burnes, has left the team in a tough spot. Despite a recent hot streak, winning seven of their last nine games, Baltimore’s 23–36 record has them anchored to the bottom of the AL East.
With the trade deadline at the end of July, speculation is heating up. According to MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Orioles may soon pivot to selling off key pieces to begin a reboot.
“After losing their best starter in free agency… and with Grayson Rodriguez on the IL, the Orioles will need to listen to trade offers on the rest of their rotation to begin their reboot in earnest,” Bowden writes.
He highlights Tomoyuki Sugano (3.23 ERA) and Zach Eflin (a pending free agent with a 4.46 ERA) as potential trade chips. Charlie Morton, despite a rocky start, could also be moved if he rebounds. Bowden also mentions position players like Cedric Mullins and Ryan O’Hearn as candidates to be dealt.
Cedric Mullins is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but is expected to return in time for the deadline. Despite a .232 average, he has launched 10 home runs in 50 games and remains a strong defensive presence in center field. Teams like the Mets and Phillies, both in need of center field help, could come calling.
O’Hearn, meanwhile, is slashing an impressive .335 over 50 games and could draw plenty of interest. Eflin’s recent string of quality starts may also raise his trade stock, even with his ERA sitting at 4.46.
With two full months left before the trade deadline, there is still time for the Orioles to right the ship. But if the losing continues, expect several familiar faces in Baltimore to be wearing new uniforms come August.
