In this week’s MLB Mailbag, we’ll take questions about the Orioles’ deadline outlook, potential trade scenarios for Freddy Peralta and Tarik Skubal, Ha-Seong Kim‘s struggles in Atlanta and whether the Brewers should make a big win-now push.
Let’s get started!
Eric asks…
Do you think the Orioles will stick with the 3B combo of Coby Mayo/Blaze Alexander, or will they look to upgrade if they’re within striking distance of the wild card?
Phil asks…
Would you please name the top three (or five. Go nuts!) players the Orioles should trade for assuming they’re within shouting distance of a wild card spot in late July, and do the same for their top three pieces they should trade away if they aren’t. Thanks!
Since these questions are related not only in the fact that they’re both about the Orioles but also that the answers will dovetail to an extent, I’ll answer them together.
Firstly, I don’t envision many clear upgrades at third base to be available this summer. The Giants are open to dealing Matt Chapman, but the Orioles aren’t going to be excited about taking on the remainder of his contract when he’s owed $100MM from 2027-30 — his age-34 through age-37 seasons. That’s not unique to the Orioles. Few teams are going to view that as a positive value. The Mets probably wouldn’t mind getting out from under the Bo Bichette contract, but he’s hitting .250/.295/.372 in his first season at third base in Queens. He’s been hot lately, but no club is going to be enthused about paying an underperforming player a $42MM annual salary — particularly on an opt-out-laden contract.
There are a handful of rental options who could be available, but none who are playing very well. Yoan Moncada is on the injured list again and hasn’t hit when healthy. Alec Bohm‘s bat is beginning to come around, but his overall batting line is well below average. Old friend Ramon Urias hasn’t played well with the Cardinals and, like Moncada, is on the injured list at the moment.
I doubt the O’s would want to pay a premium for a more controllable option. Jordan Westburg won’t play this season — a prominent reason for the team’s lackluster showing in 2026 — but will be recovered from his season-ending UCL repair by the time the 2027 campaign rolls around. He should reclaim his role at third base next year. The O’s could try for a multi-position player who’s comfortable at third base, but options there are limited, too. Buy-low options like Brett Baty and Nolan Gorman will almost certainly be available, but neither’s hitting well and either could be a non-tender candidate. If the Astros end up selling and listening on Isaac Paredes again, that’d be a reasonable fit, though Camden Yards is a poor fit for his right-handed, extreme-pull-side approach. Baltimore wouldn’t have a clear spot for Paredes in the 2027 lineup but could rent him this year and explore offseason trades.
The likelier and more prudent spots for Baltimore to upgrade, in my view, would be in the rotation and the bullpen. The Orioles will see three veteran starters become free agents: Trevor Rogers, Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin (who’s out for the season). The names atop their 2027 rotation depth chart include Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz and Dean Kremer. Younger and/or less-proven options like Trey Gibson, Cade Povich, Brandon Young and Tyler Wells could feasibly enter the mix, but the O’s aren’t going to want to leave the rotation to chance. They’ll need to add arms this winter anyhow, and proactively getting some shopping done at the deadline makes good sense.
Adding a starting pitcher who’s controlled beyond 2026 should be something of a priority. It’ll come with a steep cost, but it’s one the O’s should be willing to pay. Paying for one-plus season of someone like Joe Ryan when Baltimore seems at best like a potential Wild Card club feels like a stretch, though. I’d zero in on players with multiple seasons remaining beyond the current one. That’s going to limit the number of options, but there are a few who come to mind.
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