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Elias: Orioles’ Trade Talks Focused On Players “Towards The End Of Their Contracts”

By Steve Adams | July 20, 2025 at 10:01pm CDT

The Orioles managed to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Rays earlier today but are still 10 games under .500 with a -99 run differential. They’re 13.5 games out of first place in the American League East and 8.5 games back of an AL Wild Card spot — with seven teams they’d need to leapfrog to get there. They already traded righty Bryan Baker to the Rays earlier in the month, and general manager Mike Elias suggested in an interview on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that further players are likely to be shipped out. The GM made clear, however, that he’s focused on trading short-term pieces and not players who are under club control well beyond the current season.

“When we’re at this point in the standings and 11 days away from the trade deadline, we’ve got to be realistic about our situation,” Elias said. “The conversations I’m having right now are more oriented toward what’s out there for some of our available major league players. We’re not blowing up the team. 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. That’s what we’re spending our time on now.”

Whether it’s Elias who has an aversion to long-term contracts or the two ownership groups under which he’s worked — the Angelos family sold the Orioles to a group led by David Rubenstein prior to the 2024 season — the Orioles don’t have many players signed long-term. Elias has only signed one free agent (Tyler O’Neill) to a multi-year contract and has not brokered extensions with any of the team’s young core. They have a very appealing group of young players who are still controlled via arbitration, but Baltimore’s proclivity for one-year contracts gives them plenty of players to market in the next couple weeks.

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 does have a reasonable $6.5MM club option for 2026). Catcher Gary Sanchez is also on a one-year deal, although he’s likely out until September due to a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

On the pitching side of things, starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano are all free agents at season’s end, as are relievers Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez. Right-hander Andrew Kittredge, like Laureano, is on a one-year deal with a club option for the 2026 season. His is valued at $9MM.

O’Hearn, earning $8MM this season, is hitting .282/.378/.458 with a dozen homers. He’d be one of the best rental bats on the market. Mullins is earning $8.725MM and hitting just .218/.300/.4o5 with 13 homers and 14 steals, but he’s one of very few center field options who could be available. The resurgent Laureano is having a career-best year at the plate, hitting .276/.340/.498 through 247 plate appearances while earning just a $4MM salary.

Eflin has been out for nearly a month due to a back injury, which presumably contributed to him surrendering 17 runs in his final nine innings before being placed on the injured list. That ugly stretch ballooned his ERA all the way to 5.95, but he had a 4.08 mark prior to that stretch and is coming off a 2023-24 run in which he tossed 343 innings with a 3.54 ERA and terrific strikeout/walk rates. He’s making $18MM this season. Eflin has posted a 1.50 ERA in three minor league rehab starts, and he told Jake Rill of MLB.com yesterday that he feels like he’s ready to rejoin the rotation.

Morton’s struggles earlier this season were in many ways emblematic of the team’s struggles as a whole. He’s righted the ship after being dropped to the bullpen for a few weeks, though. While the 41-year-old righty is still sporting a grisly 5.58 ERA, he has a 3.47 mark in his past 47 innings. Morton was trounced for seven runs in his most recent outing versus Tampa Bay, but he’d pitched 51 2/3 innings of 2.61 ERA ball prior to that. Even with the ugly last start, he looks largely back on track, though his $15MM salary is another impediment.

Sugano, 35, is in his first big league season. A longtime star in Japan’s NPB, his year has been the inverse of Morton’s: a terrific start followed by an extended rough patch. Sugano carried a 3.04 ERA into June despite possessing one of the lowest strikeout rates in the sport (14.2%), but his lack of missed bats has caught up to him. He has a 7.94 ERA and has been torched for seven home runs over his past six starts (28 1/3 innings). He’s on a $13MM salary.

The left-handed Soto and right-handed Dominguez both miss plenty of bats and have shaky command, although Soto has his walk rate down to a more passable 10.1% this year. Both average better than 97 mph on their heaters, and their ERAs (3.67 for Soto, 3.72 for Dominguez) are nearly identical. Fielding-independent metrics grade them similarly as well, pegging them both in the mid-3.00s. Soto is making $5.35MM to Dominguez’s $8MM. The 35-year-old Kittredge missed the first two months of the season due to a knee procedure he required during spring training but has been solid since returning: 3.86 ERA, 22.9% strikeout rate, 5.7% walk rate.

It’s not clear from Elias’ comments whether the Orioles will at least entertain offers on players controlled beyond the current season. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported last week that Elias has at least heard out other teams who’ve called on lefty Trevor Rogers and closer Felix Bautista, but that could be mere due diligence. Bautista, controlled two more seasons via arbitration, would be a particular shock if moved. The Dodgers are among the teams who’ve called, but a deal feels decidedly unlikely.

The O’s have some buy-low bats, but it’s hard to imagine anyone taking on even a portion of O’Neill’s contract when he’s signed through 2027 and hitting just .182/.270/.327. Ryan Mountcastle is an interesting buy-low option, but he hit just .246/.280/.348 before a hamstring tear sent him to the 60-day IL. He’ll begin a rehab assignment soon and could be a non-tender candidate with a poor finish, so perhaps there’s more willingness to listen there. Baltimore’s core seems unlikely to be available in any capacity, however. It’d be a true stunner if any of Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser or Jackson Holliday wound up being seriously discussed.

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Baltimore Orioles Andrew Kittredge Cedric Mullins Charlie Morton Felix Bautista Gary Sanchez Gregory Soto Ramon Laureano Ryan Mountcastle Ryan O'Hearn Seranthony Dominguez Tomoyuki Sugano Trevor Rogers Zach Eflin

Daniel Bard Retires
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The Opener: Brewers, Blue Jays, Yankees, Trade Activity
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113 Comments

  1. 2012orioles

    2 months ago

    Gonna miss ceddy 🙁

    13
    Reply
    • Soto should bat first.

      2 months ago

      You won’t miss his declining hit tool.

      2
      Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        2 months ago

        Align – That’s because they will still have one of the biggest declining hit tools in O’Neill.

        This still cracks me up, oh the irony! The highest paid player on the team. LOL!!

        “Elias has only signed one free agent (Tyler O’Neill) to a multi-year contract”

        3
        Reply
        • Soto should bat first.

          2 months ago

          O’Neill was a terrible contract from the moment it was offered. I can’t come up with the reasoning behind signing always injured O’Neill for 3 years.

          6
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          2 months ago

          Align – My view aligns with yours. What made it even worse was the opt outs, so from the beginning it was either gonna be just one good year and gone or one bad year likely followed by two more bad years.

          The contract was definitely one of Scott’s best.

          1
          Reply
    • AndyKaufman

      2 months ago

      Need a taker first.

      Reply
  2. ThatsIT?

    2 months ago

    How many teams would actually be interested in o’hearn as an every day bat? I feel like orioles fans are going to be unimpressed with the return they get for him.

    Mets might have some interest in Mullins for CF but I’m guessing they aim higher.

    1
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      2 months ago

      Plenty of teams can use an upgrade with a LHH 1B. Not a single one of them is netting a top 8 prospect from any org.

      6
      Reply
      • pt57

        2 months ago

        I could see the Brewers throwing an interesting pitching prospect at the Orioles for him.

        1
        Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      2 months ago

      I agree. If their goal is to dump only expiring contracts, their return will be unimpressive. If their goal is to get a good return, they must deal from their controllable talent.

      6
      Reply
      • YankeesBleacherCreature

        2 months ago

        “We think we’re going to be very good again in 2026…” – Elias

        They’re salary dumps like you’ve noted, Clip.

        5
        Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        Yeah they aren’t going to get a big return on any of those pending free agents.

        Most of them should be tradable. Will see how the market shapes up in the next week when several teams will have to decide if they are buyers or sellers.

        My gut says we will see a few more sellers enter the market. The additional wild card slots will likely mean teams will be making final decisions 2-3 days before the deadline.

        4
        Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          The type of return they get is going to be extremely dependant on their willingness to pay the salaries of these players. Many of their soon to be free agents are getting paid a lot and in many cases more than they are actually worth. But if Baltimore pays the salaries they could get a lot more back.

          2
          Reply
        • Simm

          2 months ago

          I’m not sure they get a lot more back. Most of them aren’t having good seasons. So the O’s may need to pay some of them down just to trade them at all.

          A couple of them should bring a decent prospect or a couple of flyers. The likely to be traded isn’t very impressive

          Reply
        • EM33

          1 month ago

          That’ll be a big part of it

          Reply
      • Omarj

        2 months ago

        I disagree. Dumping is the wrong word for guys who can play. Their 1 yr guys have fair or good value. You’re not getting a haul, but the right team could overpay. The Yankees could use their RP as could a bunch of other teams. Ohearn to Sea and or Laureano to SD. There are moves that can be made.

        3
        Reply
        • Simm

          2 months ago

          They’ll get a 40/45fv type prospect/s unless they trade a controlled player.

          1
          Reply
        • pt57

          2 months ago

          Those guys can have value.

          An optionable reliever who might be a mid or end rotation piece isn’t a bad outcome.

          Reply
      • stymeedone

        2 months ago

        @YC
        That is true,but now is not the time. No contender will trade a ML starting pitcher until the off season, and that is what Baltimore lacks. That limits the trade partners to other non contenders. Any of those young players will be open for talks after the season, when teams can sign a FA to replace the cheaper pitcher they traded away.

        1
        Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      2 months ago

      Single top 30 prospect perhaps, compared to prospect rich Sox and Rays, looking like the Os could be stuck at the bottom in a few seasons

      3
      Reply
      • Easy as 1 2 3

        2 months ago

        There’s many issues with how orioles do business such as refusal to address their rotation needs last 4 seasons and constantly drafting OFs in the first.

        But until proven otherwise they’ll be stocked on the farm through drafting simply cause they just refuse to trade guys. Restocking the farm won’t take long they’ll get high picks from this down season pick up a few prospects from selling

        Hopefully they go out and get the sp they need for 2026 though

        1
        Reply
    • gorav114

      2 months ago

      As an Os fan it’s such a bummer. The one good thing about this season after the crap start was going to be trading and setting up next season.
      Was supposed to be big return for your relievers and big bat then a QO to Eflin and Mullins. Then you get two comp picks and a handful of new prospects.
      Instead they are gonna be lucky to get a decent low level pitching prospect for Ohearn and spare parts for the rest

      6
      Reply
    • Soto should bat first.

      2 months ago

      O’Hearn can replace Jesse Winker tomorrow as far as I’m concerned.

      Reply
    • Coal tender

      2 months ago

      The weak hitting Rangers would be interested in O’Hearn since they are only 2.5 games behind the last playoff spot. What would the Rangers give up in their very thin farm system? Orioles would want Sebastian Walcott but that’s a non starter for a rental.

      Reply
      • os4life

        2 months ago

        No, but Jack Lieter for Ryan O’Hearn would be enough!

        2
        Reply
        • gorav114

          2 months ago

          Kumar would be fine too!

          Reply
      • gorav114

        2 months ago

        I don’t think they would go after Walcott and no chance that happens. I could see some interest in Santos or Teodo. Santos is out indefinitely but closest to major league ready

        Reply
        • os4life

          2 months ago

          I like Santos a lot. I think Teodo ends up closing. He’s got lights out stuff. Hell if I’m the O’s I’d try to buy low and land one or both Santos & Rasario. What’s the word on Rosario is he still a big time prospect considering the injury and his age? I admit I’m not familiar with the severity of Rosario‘s injury, other than it was severe. Rangers have some nice OF prospects in the lower miners. I could see Elias salivating at someone like Paulino Santana. SP Winston Santos and OF Paulino Santana for 1B/DH O’Hearn

          Reply
  3. The_Porcupine

    2 months ago

    Miller and sheehan for felix is a trade id consider

    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      2 months ago

      Too little for felix

      10
      Reply
    • sorengo99

      2 months ago

      Unfortunately, the Dodgers would also have to consider that deal.

      Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      2 months ago

      If I were the dodgers I would do Ferris on top of river ryan and/or wrobleski

      3
      Reply
  4. Simm

    2 months ago

    Amazing they haven’t locked up at least one of their core guys while they could get a cheaper deal done.

    7
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      2 months ago

      Boras clients.

      13
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        That could be part of the issue.

        2
        Reply
        • ctiger14

          2 months ago

          That is the *entire* issue. Boras does not allow clients to sign new deals until their contact is up and then “play the field” to see what they are worth on a free market.

          2
          Reply
        • Simm

          2 months ago

          That’s not entirely true. First Boris works for the player so saying he doesn’t allow it isn’t accurate. With good players he definitely seems to discourage it. Though some have signed extensions.

          6
          Reply
        • Joemo

          2 months ago

          That’s just not true.

          Look at the extension that Xander signed with Boston in 2019.

          As an agent, Boras ultimately does what his clients want. Most people go to Boras because they want to get the most money, and typically that involves free agency.

          But like everything, there’s exceptions to the rule.

          3
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          2 months ago

          So you’re saying that there is a rule.

          Reply
      • birdmanrob

        2 months ago

        I wonder what Elias could get for one of the Boras guys (Henderson, Holiday, Westburg.) No way they aign before hitting FA, then probably gone anyway….sigh.

        Reply
        • EM33

          1 month ago

          We drafted all three of them to help us compete for years to come. Keep all 3. SO many injuries this year. Move the guys on expiring deals, give Mayo a 2 month look at 1st. Hopefully we could end with Bradish, Kremer and Rogers healthy building for next year. Those saying Rogers is a fluke aren’t watching him pitch

          Reply
  5. King. Of. Cards

    2 months ago

    Out of all their rentals available who actually has positive trade value?

    OHearn and maybe Soto?

    Morton at 15 million
    Sugano 13 million
    Efflin 18 million
    Kittredge 9 million
    Sanchez over 8 million
    Mullins over 8 million
    Dominguez 8 million

    They sure have a ton of money coming off the books one way or another.

    6
    Reply
    • Simm

      2 months ago

      The bottom of that list nobody would pay them that for the season they are having.

      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        Yeah if they eat some money then teams might want those guys but if they dont they won’t find a taker for most of them.

        Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      2 months ago

      Fugly roster construction. All those names under water (save Laureano). Aside from getting gifted consecutive top 5 picks not much going on in the player operations suite

      7
      Reply
    • bwmiller79

      2 months ago

      Rutschmann, Laureano, Mullins, Dominguez, Morton, Sugano, Eflin to the Padres

      for Ethan Salas, Yu Dharvish, Kash Mayfield, Bradgley Rodriguez, Braden Nett and Yuki Matsui

      Padres take on all of the ’25 salary and get out of Dharvish and Matsui deals in ’26 and ’27, that cash comes to about 25M and pays for Dharvish and Matsui in ’26. Three nice pitching propsects and a top 100 catcher for Rutschmann and for taking on 44M in Dharvish and Matsui in ’27/’28 seasons, who could potentially both be good for Balty’s in ’26.

      Padres trade King and Cease for prospect packages and let it rip with Pivetta, Morton, Sugano, Eflin and Bergert.

      1
      Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 months ago

      Only 1/3 of their salaries will be left at the deadline. $3MM is affordable for most teams in the hunt. Everyone needs relief pitching.

      3
      Reply
      • bwmiller79

        2 months ago

        Close to 20M the Padres take on this season, taking on all those contracts – that savings for the O’s pays for Dharvish and Matsui in ’26. Dharvish would be in the rotation for the O’s, Matsui would be a lefty bullpen arm.

        Padres get the catcher, a pair of outfield bats, and four pitchers to roster before the trade deadline.

        They’d have King, Cease, Pivetta, Morton, Sugano, Eflin and Bergert for their rotation. That gives them a starting pitcher and an OF bat to flip for a prospect. They could trade King for a nice return, Cease for a good return or move Eflin for a low level prospect leaving them six good starting pitchers.

        The Padres could then try and move a young controllable RHRP for Caleb Ferguson or Danny Coulombe, they need a reliable lefty in the bullpen.

        Padres would be well positioned with Rutschmann at C and Laureano or Mullins in left field. Rotation would be the best it’s been all season with Morton pitching well.

        Orioles get a top 50 prospect in Salas, and three nice pitching prospects. Mayfield, Nett and Rodriguez are all MLB arms. The caveat is they are on the hook for Dharvish’s age 41 and 42 seasons (’27 and ’28) at 15M per and they will have to take on Matsui’s deal too, another 13.5M over the ’27 and ’28 seasons.

        It leans a little to the Padres but it could be a real.good trade for the Orioles is Dharvish and Matsui pitch up to their contracts.

        It’s an unlikely blockbuster of a trade but it’s a good proposal.

        Reply
  6. kylegocougs

    2 months ago

    Hope the Mariners get Dominguez and O’Hearn

    2
    Reply
    • BigRedMachine

      2 months ago

      Good call. Both would help the M’s immensely.

      1
      Reply
    • Zippy the Pinhead

      2 months ago

      I’d rather get the lefty reliever. O’Hearn has been slumping for the last month.

      1
      Reply
      • gorav114

        2 months ago

        Hes felt the pressure of the deadline. Hes rock solid though and will be a great contributing piece down the stretch. Im also hoping him and a reliever go to Seattle

        Reply
        • Simm

          2 months ago

          If he cracks under pressure that’s a red flag. He will feel great pressure to perform on a new team and in the playoffs. A month long slump likely has nothing to do with pressure of being traded.

          Reply
        • gorav114

          2 months ago

          He homered Sunday and knocked in a run last two games. Not like hes just forgot how to play.

          Reply
      • BigRedMachine

        2 months ago

        Yes he has been slumping and he has the ability to get back on track. Better than doing nothing. The Mariners need to get a bat, if not two, and one has to be at a corner infield spot, if not both. Again, way better than doing nothing.

        1
        Reply
  7. saj

    2 months ago

    Just 6 weeks ago Mullins looked like a QO candidate. After stinking it up, he’s on bubble and likely won’t bring much back as rental. Elias will prob keep him and hope he shows better thru oct to merit the QO, turn it down, and so get ME the precious 33 comp pick.

    Since QO hurts the deal the fa can get, Mullins agent prob told him to get himself traded, so he’s telling people he wants to stay, implying he will accept the QO.

    1
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      2 months ago

      Mullins will need to go on a MVP-level tear to even sniff a ~$22.3M Q.O.

      9
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        Yeah that’s not happening

        3
        Reply
        • stymeedone

          2 months ago

          If its offered, Mullins will accept the QO.

          1
          Reply
    • geofft

      2 months ago

      saj, Your perception is a month behind reality. He may have played like a QO player for 5 weeks in March/April. But by early June (iand had been in the mid-500s for the previous 5 to 6 weeks. No one anywhere is thinking about OPS candidates in April, and by early June that perception was not going to surface.

      1
      Reply
      • padrepapi

        2 months ago

        Yeah he’s hit .187/.234/.348 since May 1st.

        What team in their right mind would even consider making that guy a QO? Definitely not the team that seems to be adverse to spending.

        2
        Reply
    • Soto should bat first.

      2 months ago

      QO. LOLOLOL.
      $22 million for not much offense or defense, combined with further decline. Zero chance.

      1
      Reply
  8. scruffmcgruff

    2 months ago

    In my opinion, anyone not name Henderson or Holliday you at least hear a team out. Sure you have a young controllable (for a little while) group of position players. But what is the future of our rotation? Bradish, Wells and Grayson? All of whom have not pitched in a year or so plus? Its hard to say blow up the team when theres plenty of positional talent but brother, what is our pitching staff right now? None of these guys in the rotation were really supposed to be relied on long term save for Kremer who may be pitching currently like a #2 slot but has certainly not been that type of guy in his career.

    It seems to me Elias was expecting to be able to weather the injury storm for the rotation arms with a bunch of cheap moves. Literally no one liked the O’s offseason pitching wise, even fewer liked it when you account for the O’Neill signing.

    TL;DR at least hear teams out on nearly everyone in my opinion, because while we have talented position players, our rotation is in shambles until it proves it can stay healthy, which in todays mlb is a gamble that no one should be willing to take.

    6
    Reply
    • niched

      2 months ago

      Obviously Trevor Rogers is part of next year’s rotation the way he’s pitching. Right now it’s Bradish, Rogers, Kremer and then anybody’s guess. Grayson Rodriguez may be done as a starter — same for Wells. Time to see what they can do in the bullpen. Povich seems more like a 6 man or long reliever — at least for now. Just like this offseason the O’s need at least two new starters next season, assuming Bradish is healthy (and assuming Eflin is not back). Otherwise they need three additional starters.

      1
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        They should trade one of their catchers. At the deadline or offseason. They are going to have a number of holes to fill if they want to compete next year. They will have a list of money coming off the books which can help.

        2
        Reply
        • niched

          2 months ago

          All their catchers are hurt. Who would they trade? Anyway it’s hard to see them trading Adley while his value is so low. He hasn’t been good for a year. Basallo may not even be a catcher. If they traded Basallo it would be for a Paul Skenes. Otherwise they’re not trading him.

          1
          Reply
    • gorav114

      2 months ago

      I get the thinking but would be really dumb to dump Westy or Cowser too. Holiday, Gunnar, Westburg, Cowser. That’s what you build off of. That’s your first 4 hitters for the next 5 years

      3
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        Right but they could still get a lot for adly. Plus they have a high end catching prospect who could step in next year.

        Reply
        • Soto should bat first.

          2 months ago

          High end catching prospect is weak defensively. That’s problematic.

          1
          Reply
        • dm867

          2 months ago

          Basallo isn’t ready to catch MLB pitching. And when he is he doesn’t project to be an even average defensive catcher.

          Reply
        • niched

          2 months ago

          I agree that if they crap the bed with their pitching next season the way they did this season they may need to trade one of their younger bats. Elias treat young hitters like crown jewels, and he pitchers arms like flea market merch.

          2
          Reply
        • EM33

          1 month ago

          Adley is weak defensively. Bounces EVERY throw to 2nd. I hope the organization brings someone in to work with him in the off-season. He’s been really bad since the break last year

          Reply
      • birdmanrob

        2 months ago

        That’s 3 Boras clients who will all need top dollar. Looking at 120-150 mill per year to keep all 3 in a few years.

        Reply
        • niched

          1 month ago

          The O’s won’t try to extend all 3 nor should they

          Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 months ago

      @scruff
      Actually, one of Holliday or Henderson would be the easiest to replace as they are both SS. SS has the most trade value. I could definitely see one being dealt for a TOR arm. Most likely Henderson as he has less control.

      Reply
      • EM33

        1 month ago

        No

        Reply
  9. Hammerin' Hank

    2 months ago

    If Samuel were in charge, he would trade some of those worthless prospects for some veterans who can field their position and execute some fundamentals.

    6
    Reply
    • Soto should bat first.

      2 months ago

      You would need to lengthen your post by about 10 times to even have a chance at Samuel.

      6
      Reply
      • Squeeze32

        2 months ago

        Not nearly enough condescension either. The comment needs to be in reply to someone else and start with “LOL”

        1
        Reply
    • Thornton Mellon

      2 months ago

      He hasn’t been around much. He’s definitely been hired by an MLB team who finally saw his genius. We’ll find out this winter.
      Mateo signs for 5 years, $90 million to be the starting SS.
      Hays 5 years, $100 million to be the starting LF.
      Cole Irvin signed as a SP.
      They will sign veterans to be positive clubhouse guys. They will play good, fundamental baseball.
      They’ll go 19-143 in 2026.

      Reply
  10. Dumpster Divin Theo

    2 months ago

    Lot of janky players. Older dudes and platoon bats. Hard pass unless they’re just waiving guys to save salary

    2
    Reply
  11. geofft

    2 months ago

    Finding a deal for Mullins might require threading a needle. He and Luis Robert both hit lefties, but don’t hit RHers. Mullins is less bad against RH pitching, but Robert is playing better D this year, and running the bases/stealing well. Robert costs more, but the ChiSOx are reportedly willing to eat some salary in order to move him.
    Bottom line is that both players occupy the same space – flawed players who have some (not much) upside for a team that desperately needs what they offer.

    1
    Reply
    • Simm

      2 months ago

      Anyone who trade for either is hoping they get hit for a month or two. Also there isn’t a lot out there from any team outside of the dbacks unless they sell.

      Reply
  12. Baseball_dude

    2 months ago

    Honestly it’s a lose lose situation for Baltimore. Every player with one year left (except for O’Hearn) are not having a great season, so the most that they’ll get in return are a couple of dice rolls that won’t amount to much. Heck, they gave up 2 pretty big prospects last year for Trevor rogers (a below average pitcher that’s just on a lucky streak right now) Baltimore doesn’t know how to make good trades, and truthfully teams in general should stop giving away their top MLB players for dice rolls, ask high or die

    1
    Reply
  13. Rishi

    2 months ago

    In the case of Laureano I can’t resist reminding the boatload of people that said I was being crazy for wanting the Braves to give him his 5mil. Turns out it would have been a HUGE move as LF has been a black hole for ATL and Ramon has done exactly what he did last year. Another “little” move missed recently by AA. The guy played harder than any player I have ever seen play the last 3 months of 2024. Were ATL not 11 games under my advise would be to trade for him

    7
    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      2 months ago

      I wish I could give this post 10 thumbs up. Absolutely agree. If my team needed an OF I would be showing up at POB Dipoto’s personal parking spot every morning with a bullhorn advocating for a Laureano acquisition. The dude is a player and not afraid of climbing walls or laying out for a low probability catch.

      3
      Reply
      • Rishi

        2 months ago

        The first time I saw him dive to cut off a ball and jump up and spin throwing a bullet just to keep a runner from an extra base (not even in a super close game) I was impressed. He did it a lot. I think lots of the people on here are Laureano haters because of the PED suspension he had.

        1
        Reply
    • gorav114

      2 months ago

      When he joined the Os I thought about the prior suspension and cheap deal and assumed more outfield depth/filler. A little speed, a little defense. I was wrong, that man is on a mission. Love watching him play.

      4
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        I can see the Padres trading for him. Fits exactly what they need. Righty bat, good LF defense, little speed but mainly some power. Plus he isn’t owed much money which fits the budget. He isn’t going to fetch a big return either which the padres can trade likely from their pitching prospects.

        3
        Reply
    • EM33

      1 month ago

      He’s got a 6.5 mil option for 26. I’d definitely hold on to him

      Reply
  14. stubby66

    2 months ago

    Honestly Baltimore needs to be aggressive in finding controllable pitching now. You keep Henderson, Holliday, Westburg no matter what. Then you start with everyone being available if the package is right. Stop looking for prospects in trades get some ballplayer. Quit looking to compete but to actually start winning and dominate position players are a lot cheaper then pitching. Go and build your pitching im talking like 10 deep SP and probably 20 deep RP of controllable pitching. In order do that you gotta let some prospects go in trades for major league ready guys. Milwaukee builds their team 50 players deep. They have an AAA rotation of Patrick, Henderson, Gasser, Crowe, Stalling, Zimmerman that is better then the Orioles whole rotation almost not to mention the Orioles could probably have gotten Payamps, Hudson, Mcgee, Yeager Pegurio, Holub at sometime this year for little and would’ve made the team be better. Gotta build your team like you will have atleast 50 guys that will spend time on the roster. Orioles are becoming the White Sox of three years ago. Get Buck Showalter back as manager too. Take some risk in building the team. Start winning now change the culture. FO show heart and guts. Get moment going into next year with this clubhouse

    2
    Reply
    • Simm

      2 months ago

      Brewers do it by trading guys who have a year or two left including stats or close to star players. They also have been good at selecting player plus development. Plus they seem to get the most out of the players.

      Reply
    • birdmanrob

      2 months ago

      What do you get though if you trade one of them? All three Boras clients, no way you keep all 4 in the future unless payroll quadruples. You could get a Nats/Soto package for Gunnar, which then moves Holiday and Westy back to thier natural IF positions.

      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        Don’t think we will see a trade like that again. That was a massive haul and over
        Pay.

        Reply
  15. gold masters

    2 months ago

    Entertainment is not to be taken seriously

    Reply
  16. Atloriolesfan

    2 months ago

    A lot of the return for guys like OHearn, Morton, Sugano, Dominguez, Mullins, etc.depends on now many teams are bidding. At this point the answer is “a lot”. In 10 days it’s certain to be fewer.

    Elias understands the situation quite well. Punt for 2025, build for 2026. But the build for 2026 will still be there in October and he’s got plenty of tradable assets for October with Urias, Laureano, Kittredge, Soto and even GRod, Povich, Bradish, etc. So the characterization of “near the end of their contracts” is key. He’ll listen on those guys, but it will take a lot.

    As teams slightly ahead of them throw in the towel, his prices will go up, because he is, and should be, willing to stand pat if he doesn’t get fair value for Mullins, Mountcastle, OHearn Dominguez, etc. that means they won’t be in demand as FAs. He knows that and so do their agents.

    The notion that the Os trade anyone of note because they have to is nonsense. At a minimum he can stockpile another draft in 2026.

    Unlike most GMs, who face win in 2025 or polish your resume, Elias has a 2026 plan, a 2027 plan, a 2028 plan etc. That will make a huge difference.

    2
    Reply
    • Soto should bat first.

      2 months ago

      Ummm. Elias is terrible.
      He’s built terrible teams.
      So big whoopee. He found 3-4 gems with all the high draft picks. B F D.

      4
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 months ago

        It looked really good about a year or 2 years ago. He had a chance to add more pitching but skipped on guys like crochet. Now the farm is nowhere near as good and either is the team. He is going to need to make good decisions this offseason or it could be over before it really should have been. Depending on the owners willingness to spend. These players are going to start getting expensive soon.

        Building a good mlb team isn’t easy to do. Many have to learn on the fly and don’t get a lot of chances at it. As a padres fan I’ve watched preller go through this many times. He has been given a long leash mainly because he drafts well plus international scouting.

        2
        Reply
      • birdmanrob

        2 months ago

        Cough Astros cough cough, another good draft this year for the Birds…

        Reply
  17. Old York

    2 months ago

    There aren’t a lot of good options then if that’s the case. Seems like a poor decision instead of moving some valuable pieces so they can speed up their rebuild.

    Reply
    • Simm

      2 months ago

      I think they are trying to retool not rebuild.

      1
      Reply
      • Old York

        2 months ago

        They retooled before with their young core and it still failed. Unless they’re buying and signing big FAs, they won’t really be retooling to improve the situation.

        1
        Reply
  18. tangerinepony

    2 months ago

    They need to tear is down and do a full rebuild. They’re core whom they drafted high in past years are nothing but under achievers. A full rebuild tear it down with a few 100 loss seasons by 2030 let’s see what they have

    3
    Reply
    • Aiden Awe

      2 months ago

      They don’t need to do a full rebuild.

      3
      Reply
    • EM33

      1 month ago

      Ridiculous

      Reply
  19. gr81t2

    2 months ago

    Let’s hope Elias gets off his high horse and makes all the trades necessary. The team is in desperate need of starting pitching. Grayson can not be relied upon to come back within the next 2 years.

    2
    Reply
  20. bravesfan

    2 months ago

    Their farm has taken a hit with all the graduations. They should absolutely trade everyone who isn’t signed beyond this season and possible even next. Last I saw their system was ranked 15th. Smack middle. Trading these guys for middle of the pack top 30 prospects (in the organization not overall) would really boost that system. But truly it’s only good if they do this with the mindset of trading them to upgrade this core. They can’t hold on to every prospect under the sun. Trade expiring contracts and flip them or others to boost that rotation or whatever

    Reply
  21. cwsOverhaul

    2 months ago

    Astros keep chugging along very well w/o Elias. Easiest part of any rebuild is tank and trade whoever happens to be good. Way beyond that now. Zero playoff wins-that guy needs to go.

    3
    Reply
  22. rmullig2

    2 months ago

    The Yankees would be a good fit for Urias. Great defense with an average bat would fit well into the bottom of their lineup. They wouldn’t give up any of their best prospects but the O’s could finagle an interesting arm at the A or AA level.

    2
    Reply
    • birdmanrob

      2 months ago

      Phils too

      Reply
  23. warnbeeb

    2 months ago

    You know, I think I’d take Gregory Soto back in Detroit. He left in one of Scott Harris’s 1st trades. Tigers got Vierling out of that deal. Phillies got some mileage out of Soto and not much out of Kody Clemens.
    The Tigers can DFA Hernandez and upgrade with Soto. Soto and Holton can set up for Vest. Kahnle looks like he’s spiraling out of the air. If Hanifee and Hurter can stabilize, maybe with one more RP arm, the Tigers can hold on.

    Reply
  24. Joe S

    2 months ago

    So Baltimore was sold in hopes new ownership would be better. The new ownership group seems to know even less about baseball than previous owner. One example: They failed to use an asset like Mayo at his peak, even though they have no position for him. Now it appears he will be AAA fodder for years to come. Likely year to year contract guy with teams hoping to catch lightening in a bottle. I.e major bust with potential.

    3
    Reply
    • EM33

      1 month ago

      What are you talking about? Once O’Hearn is gone, Mayo will get his 2 months playing everyday at first and some DH. He’ll get his shot. For now we have to play the vets, including Urias for the teams interested in a 3rd baseman. At 23 years old, Mayo will get his shot

      Reply

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