Orioles Rumors at the Deadline

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July 29, 2024

The Baltimore Orioles have made two trades already as the deadline nears. They added Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin in exchange for three prospects. In exchange for Austin Hays, they traded for Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. Many rumors have been circulating the team this past week from potential trades to locker room troubles.

Will or has this team made the moves necessary to make a deep run in the playoffs? Are there underlying issues in the locker room that could hold the team back?

Orioles Trade Deadline Rumors

The Orioles have exposed themselves as buyers at the deadline. With two moves already made, the team has made it clear that it is likely that another trade could be coming. Rumors have already shown the Orioles have expressed interest in Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The Tigers have also expressed interest in finalizing a deal. A scout was recently seen at a recent Norfolk Tides game (the Triple-A affiliate of the Orioles). However, five days later the Orioles made the trade for Eflin. This could signify that the price for Skubal was too high, so the Orioles began looking elsewhere to guarantee adding a starting pitcher.

With one day left in the trade deadline, the rumors with the Orioles do not stop there. The Orioles have joined the pool of teams interested in San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell. Snell, 31, currently has the worst ERA of his career this season. However, his opponent’s batting average sits at a fairly low .221. Snell started the season slowly but has continued to get stronger as the season goes on. He posted 15 strikeouts in his last start against the Rockies. The two-time Cy Young winner has a player option for the 2025 season.

One pitcher not currently on the Orioles’ radar but could be a good option is Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet. This is Crochet’s first season as a starter and he has no plans on turning back, however, he has made an unusual request. With expectations of being traded to a playoff team, he requests the team that acquires him also offer him an extension. This is due to a workload new to him as he already has a career-high in innings pitched and too many may pose a risk.

Orioles Locker Room Issues

Many have come to speculate that the Orioles might have some issues within the locker room. The team is young and with the departure of Austin Hays, leadership could become an issue. The now longest-tenured player within the organization is Ryan Mountcastle who is only 27 years old. Cedric Mullins is right behind him and is also under 30 years old.

Any team that plans to win a World Series not only needs talent from top to bottom, but they also need leadership. At times this season, the Orioles have played as one of the most talented teams in the league. Other times you would not believe they are the number two team in the American League. Baltimore has lost four of their last five series.

The team has the talent from top to bottom to make a run for the World Series when they play to their level. However, the team not only needs to prove that to themselves on the field but off the field as well to find the consistency needed for October.