Orioles GM Reveals Team's Trade Focus

The Orioles’ Strategy in the Lead-Up to the Trade Deadline

The Baltimore Orioles have been navigating a challenging season, managing to avoid a sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. However, their struggles are evident as they remain 10 games below .500 with a -99 run differential. In the American League East, they are 13.5 games behind the division leaders and 8.5 games back of an AL Wild Card spot. To make up this ground, they would need to surpass seven teams, making it a daunting task.

General Manager Mike Elias has indicated that further trades could be on the horizon. He mentioned in an interview on MLB Network Radio that the focus is on trading short-term players rather than those under club control for the long term. “We’re not blowing up the team,” Elias stated. “We think we’re going to be very good again in 2026 and have that intention. We’re not interested in changing the foundation of the team, but to the degree that we have players that interest other clubs, who are coming towards the end of their contracts, we’ve got to listen to that.”

Elias’s approach reflects a strategic shift, possibly influenced by his previous experiences with different ownership groups. The Orioles currently do not have many long-term contracts in place. The only multi-year free agent signed by Elias is Tyler O’Neill, and he has not extended any of the team’s young core players. This strategy allows the team to maintain flexibility, especially with several key players entering their final guaranteed seasons.

Key Players Available for Trade

Several players are set to become free agents or are on one-year deals, making them attractive trade candidates. First baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, center fielder Cedric Mullins, and corner outfielder Ramon Laureano are all in their final guaranteed seasons in Baltimore. Laureano also has a reasonable $6.5 million club option for 2026. Catcher Gary Sanchez is on a one-year deal but is likely out until September due to a knee injury.

On the pitching side, starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano are all free agents at season’s end, along with relievers Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez. Right-hander Andrew Kittredge is on a one-year deal with a club option for 2026.

O’Hearn, who is earning $8 million this season, has a strong batting line of .282/.378/.458 with a dozen home runs. Mullins, despite a lower batting average, is one of few center field options available. Laureano is having a career-best year at the plate, hitting .276/.340/.498 through 247 plate appearances while earning just a $4 million salary.

Pitchers in the Market

Zach Eflin, who has been out due to a back injury, has shown signs of recovery with a 1.50 ERA in three minor league rehab starts. His performance this season was marred by a poor stretch, but he had a solid 3.54 ERA in 2023-24. Charlie Morton has struggled this season but has shown improvement after being moved to the bullpen. His recent performance suggests he may be back on track, though his $15 million salary remains a challenge.

Tomoyuki Sugano, a veteran from Japan, has had a mixed season. His early success gave way to a rough patch, resulting in a 7.94 ERA. Relievers Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez both miss plenty of bats, with Soto having a more manageable walk rate. Andrew Kittredge has been solid since returning from injury, posting a 3.86 ERA.

Potential Moves and Uncertainties

While Elias has not confirmed whether the Orioles will consider players controlled beyond the current season, there have been reports of interest in lefty Trevor Rogers and closer Felix Bautista. However, such moves seem unlikely, particularly for Bautista, who is under arbitration for two more seasons.

Ryan Mountcastle, a potential buy-low candidate, has faced injury setbacks, but his situation could open the door for trade discussions. Meanwhile, the team's core players, including Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, and Jackson Holliday, are unlikely to be traded.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles will need to balance short-term needs with long-term goals, ensuring they remain competitive while building for the future.