Trades That Could Propel the Orioles to a World Series
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
What Trade Resources Should the Orioles Utilize This Deadline?
Throughout our analysis of three strategic trades, the Orioles have successfully addressed their roster's congestion among position players while enhancing their pitching staff with a mid-rotation arm and a premier relief pitcher for potential October glory.
Orioles Trade: OF Cedric Mullins, OF Jud Fabian, RHP Juan Nuñez, LHP Cade Povich, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr, OF Dylan Beavers, and IF Connor Norby.
Orioles Receive: RHP Mason Miller, RHP Chris Bassitt.
The exercise demonstrates the Orioles' flexibility; they could retain Mullins for the season's critical stretch or capitalize on their depth and prospect assets to secure impactful trades. The proposed deals, particularly for Miller, suggest a substantial investment in prospect capital for immediate pitching enhancements.
The Orioles are uniquely positioned to execute such trades, thanks to a deep farm system and a collection of MLB-ready talent that exceeds most teams.
Moveable Prospects: OF Jud Fabian, RHP Juan Nuñez, LHP Cade Povich, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr, OF Dylan Beavers, and IF Connor Norby.
Moveable MLB Players: OF Cedric Mullins, OF Austin Hays, OF Kyle Stowers, IF Jorge Mateo, IF Ramon Urias.
This franchise, rejuvenated under new ownership and eager to end a World Series drought since 1983, has the opportunity to make a significant impact. Investing in key players like Bassitt and Miller addresses immediate needs and strategically positions the Orioles for future playoff runs.
Bassitt offers a reliable starting option, mitigating current rotation risks, while Miller could be a game-changer in high-pressure postseason moments. Securing Miller for upcoming seasons underscores the value of these trades beyond immediate results.
The Orioles emerge as a fascinating team to watch as the deadline approaches. Their aggressive move for Burnes earlier this year marked a shift from their historically conservative approach. Now, with ample resources still at their disposal, GM Mike Elias has a prime opportunity to push the Orioles into championship contention.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Orioles' Path to World Series Dominance: A Three-Part Plan
The Baltimore Orioles stand on the brink of World Series glory this season, and the equation for their success is straightforward.
The competition is fierce, especially from division rivals like the New York Yankees. Despite a recent dip, the Yankees remain a formidable barrier as both teams vie for the AL East title, with projections showing each could surpass 100 wins.
At the heart of Baltimore's lineup is Gunnar Henderson, a rising star possibly second only to Aaron Judge in the MVP race. Henderson is proving himself as baseball's premier shortstop and is also on track to join Alex Rodriguez as one of the few shortstops to hit over 50 homers in a season.
With seven players already boasting double-digit home runs and outfielder Cedric Mullins close behind, the Orioles lead the major leagues with 146 home runs and rank in the top five across major offensive categories. They also boast the top catcher, Adley Rutschman, who is pivotal in managing a robust pitching staff with the American League's second-best ERA.
Baltimore seems set, having acquired ace Corbin Burnes before the season. However, the trade deadline presents a unique opportunity to solidify their championship aspirations. With the deepest farm system in the league, the Orioles can afford to be bold, possibly trading prospects like Joey Ortiz without significant loss, enhancing their chances for a World Series victory.
As we channel GM Mike Elias, let’s explore a strategic three-part plan to transform this talented roster into the clear favorite for the World Series title.
All stats were taken before play on July 9.
Capitalizing on Prospect Surplus
The Baltimore Orioles are positioned not to seek additional position players at this year's deadline, thanks to a surplus that has resulted in impressive performances at Triple-A Norfolk. This depth has kept talents like Heston Kjerstad from reaching the major leagues sooner, though he has recently started getting major league exposure after Kyle Stowers was sent down.
While struggling in the majors, Stowers has excelled in Triple-A with a .851 OPS and 16 homers in 50 games. He represents a potential trade asset, capable of starting or being a valuable fourth outfielder on many other teams.
The MLB roster features underperforming veterans like Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, Jorge Mateo, and Ramon Urias, making them potential trade candidates. Mateo, valuable for his speed, and Urias, who is out of options, could be moved to clear space for top prospects waiting in the wings, like Coby Mayo, who has been outstanding in Triple-A.
Jordan Westburg, another rising star, has already made his mark by earning an All-Star selection. Promoting Mayo could allow Westburg to stabilize at second base, enhancing the infield's overall performance.
Although Mullins is three years past his peak 30-30 season, he still leads in stolen bases and maintains solid defense, making him an attractive option for contenders needing a quality center fielder. On the other hand, Hays has shown he can be an effective platoon player against left-handed pitching, suggesting a potential trade or a strategic role adjustment.
The Orioles face decisions on whether to trade Mullins or Hays as they approach free agency. Each player offers unique benefits to potential playoff contenders. This strategic move could bolster the Orioles' chances this year and help streamline their roster for future success.
Trade Proposal: The Orioles could consider sending Mullins to the St. Louis Cardinals, who need outfield help and could benefit from his speed and defensive skills. In return, the Orioles might aim for RHP Tekoah Roby from the Cardinals, a high-potential prospect who could develop into a key rotation piece, adding depth to Baltimore's pitching prospects.
Boosting the Starting Rotation
The Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff has faced significant challenges this season, with John Means sidelined due to a second Tommy John surgery and Kyle Bradish frequently on the injured list with elbow issues. Despite these setbacks, the acquisition of ace Corbin Burnes before the season has paid dividends. Burnes has not only made the All-Star team but is also a strong Cy Young contender.
Alongside Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez has emerged as a reliable starter, significantly improving from his rookie year. The rotation also includes Albert Suarez, Cole Irvin, Dean Kremer, and, recently, top prospect Cade Povich. However, the team urgently needs a dependable third starter who consistently eats innings.
Trade Proposal: Acquire RHP Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays
Chris Bassitt, a top target among available starting pitchers, aligns perfectly with the Orioles' needs. While adding Garrett Crochet, a converted reliever, might seem appealing, Bassitt offers the stability and durability that Baltimore requires for a deep postseason run. With an ERA never exceeding 3.60 since 2021 and over 600 innings pitched, Bassitt represents a reliable option every fifth day, capable of shouldering a heavy load and allowing the bullpen some respite.
Bassitt's contract, extending through 2025 with a $22 million annual salary, is a significant commitment, but his consistent performance justifies the investment. Positioning him in the Orioles' rotation could substantially bolster their playoff aspirations for the next two seasons.
In exchange for Bassitt, the Orioles would offer outfielder Jud Fabian and pitcher Juan Nuñez. Fabian, a strong defensive center fielder with potential power, could provide immediate value to the Blue Jays. Although still refining his hitting, Fabian's athletic prowess makes him a compelling prospect. Nuñez, despite his current stint on the IL, has shown promise with impressive strikeout numbers and a solid ERA in High-A.
This strategic move aims to strengthen the Orioles' pitching rotation and align their resources with their championship aspirations, ensuring they remain competitive in the intense World Series race.
Securing the Premier Relief Pitcher in MLB
The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen performs adequately with a 3.80 ERA, ranking 13th in MLB. Relievers like Craig Kimbrel, Danny Coulombe, Jacob Webb, and Yennier Cano have maintained sub-3.00 ERAs over at least 25 innings pitched this season.
Kimbrel has effectively stepped in as the closer for the injured Felix Bautista, securing 23 saves in 27 attempts with a stellar 2.10 ERA and a 38.5% strikeout rate. As the season progresses, Kimbrel continues to excel, proving reliable as the Orioles' closer.
However, enhancing the bullpen with an elite relief pitcher could be transformative, especially for the postseason. Enter Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics, arguably the best reliever available.
Trade: Acquire Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics
In a move reminiscent of the 2016 trade by the Cleveland Indians for Andrew Miller, the Orioles aim to bolster their bullpen similarly. Despite already having a solid closer, adding a high-caliber arm like Miller, who boasts a 2.39 ERA and an MLB-leading 45.6% strikeout rate this season, could be a game-changer in high-stakes situations.
Miller would provide immediate impact in high-leverage scenarios and has team control until 2030, pairing well with Bautista for a formidable long-term bullpen duo.
The Return: LHP Cade Povich, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF Dylan Beavers, and IF Connor Norby
Povich has shown potential with a 3.18 ERA in Triple-A, though he faced challenges in the majors. This trade would not impact the Orioles' rotation deeply, especially with the acquisition of Bassitt. Bradfield Jr., a first-round pick and one of the top 100 prospects, brings speed and defensive prowess to the center field, fitting well with the Athletics' needs.
Norby and Beavers, among the top ten Orioles prospects, offer immediate and future value. Norby could immediately join the Athletics' major league roster, enhancing their infield.
This strategic move allows the Orioles to maintain their top prospects, such as Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo, while still executing a significant trade. Including potential trade pieces from other deals, like Roby from the Mullins trade, could further facilitate this blockbuster.
This deal exemplifies the Orioles' unique position to make a significant impact at the trade deadline, setting them up for both immediate and long-term success.
What Trade Resources Should the Orioles Utilize This Deadline?
Throughout our analysis of three strategic trades, the Orioles have successfully addressed their roster's congestion among position players while enhancing their pitching staff with a mid-rotation arm and a premier relief pitcher for potential October glory.
Orioles Trade: OF Cedric Mullins, OF Jud Fabian, RHP Juan Nuñez, LHP Cade Povich, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr, OF Dylan Beavers, and IF Connor Norby.
Orioles Receive: RHP Mason Miller, RHP Chris Bassitt.
The exercise demonstrates the Orioles' flexibility; they could retain Mullins for the season's critical stretch or capitalize on their depth and prospect assets to secure impactful trades. The proposed deals, particularly for Miller, suggest a substantial investment in prospect capital for immediate pitching enhancements.
The Orioles are uniquely positioned to execute such trades, thanks to a deep farm system and a collection of MLB-ready talent that exceeds most teams.
Moveable Prospects: OF Jud Fabian, RHP Juan Nuñez, LHP Cade Povich, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr, OF Dylan Beavers, and IF Connor Norby.
Moveable MLB Players: OF Cedric Mullins, OF Austin Hays, OF Kyle Stowers, IF Jorge Mateo, IF Ramon Urias.
This franchise, rejuvenated under new ownership and eager to end a World Series drought since 1983, has the opportunity to make a significant impact. Investing in key players like Bassitt and Miller addresses immediate needs and strategically positions the Orioles for future playoff runs.
Bassitt offers a reliable starting option, mitigating current rotation risks, while Miller could be a game-changer in high-pressure postseason moments. Securing Miller for upcoming seasons underscores the value of these trades beyond immediate results.
The Orioles emerge as a fascinating team to watch as the deadline approaches. Their aggressive move for Burnes earlier this year marked a shift from their historically conservative approach. Now, with ample resources still at their disposal, GM Mike Elias has a prime opportunity to push the Orioles into championship contention.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Orioles' Path to World Series Dominance: A Three-Part Plan
The Baltimore Orioles stand on the brink of World Series glory this season, and the equation for their success is straightforward.
The competition is fierce, especially from division rivals like the New York Yankees. Despite a recent dip, the Yankees remain a formidable barrier as both teams vie for the AL East title, with projections showing each could surpass 100 wins.
At the heart of Baltimore's lineup is Gunnar Henderson, a rising star possibly second only to Aaron Judge in the MVP race. Henderson is proving himself as baseball's premier shortstop and is also on track to join Alex Rodriguez as one of the few shortstops to hit over 50 homers in a season.
With seven players already boasting double-digit home runs and outfielder Cedric Mullins close behind, the Orioles lead the major leagues with 146 home runs and rank in the top five across major offensive categories. They also boast the top catcher, Adley Rutschman, who is pivotal in managing a robust pitching staff with the American League's second-best ERA.
Baltimore seems set, having acquired ace Corbin Burnes before the season. However, the trade deadline presents a unique opportunity to solidify their championship aspirations. With the deepest farm system in the league, the Orioles can afford to be bold, possibly trading prospects like Joey Ortiz without significant loss, enhancing their chances for a World Series victory.
As we channel GM Mike Elias, let’s explore a strategic three-part plan to transform this talented roster into the clear favorite for the World Series title.
All stats were taken before play on July 9.
