The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Orioles have some tough decisions to make about a couple of fan favorites.They have signaled to the league that they will be sellers, as they have already begun to make trades, mostly from the bullpen. They have a couple of players who could help teams that are still competing for the playoffs. This season has been a bust for the club, as they are still well under .500, so it is time to look forward to the future. Here are a couple of options for a trade and the chances they will be moved before the deadline on Thursday.Cedric MullinsThe veteran outfielder has been a fan favorite since his Oriole debut in 2018 but has struggled this season, only hitting .217. He is a free agent next season, and the Orioles have a logjam of young outfielders who are ready to make their mark. Mullins never returned to his Silver Slugger form in 2021 when he had 30 steals and home runs.He is hitting well against left-handed pitching and is still an above-average defender in center field. A team looking for an upgrade in center field could take a chance on Mullins. Fans would miss the highlight plays on defense, but it may be time to move on. His lower value means the Orioles would only receive a lower-level prospect for him, but it may be worth it, rather than losing him to free agency for nothing.Prediction: 75% chance of tradeTeam: Los Angeles DodgersRyan O’HearnThe only Orioles All-Star selection this season should be the most sought-after target the Orioles have. The 32-year-old designated hitter is having a career-best season and would have value as a middle-of-the-lineup left-handed hitter. Plenty of teams are looking for a boost to their lineups, and O’Hearn could be a perfect fit. He does have an expiring deal, so teams could possibly acquire him without giving up too much. A mid-level pitching prospect would be enough for the Orioles to consider the trade, and several teams are rumored to be interested in him. He has been one of the team’s most consistent bats in his time with the Orioles and could help a team reach the postseason.Prediction: 65% chance of tradeTeam: Houston AstrosRamón LaureanoOne of the biggest surprises of the season is the performance of Laureano. He was originally the Orioles’ fourth outfielder, but injuries and his play over the past two months have made him one of the more valuable trade options. He is batting .275 with 14 home runs this season and has played solid defense in the outfield.He also has a team option for 2026 at only $6.5 million, which is a deal for someone putting up his current numbers. His value may be one of the reasons the team may keep him. He would be a cheaper option than fellow outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who could opt in on a two-year $33 million deal. Laureano could offer them insurance if O’Neill opts out of his current deal and could be a valuable veteran presence in the locker room.Prediction: 50% chance of TradeTeam: San Diego PadresPitchersThe Orioles have three starting pitchers who all have expiring contracts. Zack Eflin, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano are all set to hit free agency. None of them are having great seasons, but they have been pitching better lately and could help a contending team’s rotation.Sugano has been the healthiest and most consistent of that group, and despite being a 35-year-old rookie, he comes with some upside as he is still adjusting to major league pitching. Eflin has had injuries this season and has struggled, so his value is very low, and he would not garner much from a trade. The pitcher most likely to be traded is reliever Seranthony Dominguez. He has a 3.24 ERA in 43 games this season and could be a closer or setup option for a team looking to improve its bullpen. The market is high for relievers, as the Orioles have already traded away two in Bryan Baker and Gregory Soto. Prediction: 75% for Dominguez, minimal for startersTeam: Chicago Cubs (Dominguez)
BALTIMORE —
The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Orioles have some tough decisions to make about a couple of fan favorites.
They have signaled to the league that they will be sellers, as they have already begun to make trades, mostly from the bullpen. They have a couple of players who could help teams that are still competing for the playoffs.
This season has been a bust for the club, as they are still well under .500, so it is time to look forward to the future. Here are a couple of options for a trade and the chances they will be moved before the deadline on Thursday.
Cedric Mullins
The veteran outfielder has been a fan favorite since his Oriole debut in 2018 but has struggled this season, only hitting .217. He is a free agent next season, and the Orioles have a logjam of young outfielders who are ready to make their mark. Mullins never returned to his Silver Slugger form in 2021 when he had 30 steals and home runs.
He is hitting well against left-handed pitching and is still an above-average defender in center field. A team looking for an upgrade in center field could take a chance on Mullins. Fans would miss the highlight plays on defense, but it may be time to move on. His lower value means the Orioles would only receive a lower-level prospect for him, but it may be worth it, rather than losing him to free agency for nothing.
Prediction: 75% chance of trade
Team: Los Angeles DodgersRyan O’Hearn
Getty ImagesPhoto: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
The only Orioles All-Star selection this season should be the most sought-after target the Orioles have. The 32-year-old designated hitter is having a career-best season and would have value as a middle-of-the-lineup left-handed hitter. Plenty of teams are looking for a boost to their lineups, and O’Hearn could be a perfect fit.
He does have an expiring deal, so teams could possibly acquire him without giving up too much. A mid-level pitching prospect would be enough for the Orioles to consider the trade, and several teams are rumored to be interested in him. He has been one of the team’s most consistent bats in his time with the Orioles and could help a team reach the postseason.
Prediction: 65% chance of trade
Team: Houston AstrosRamón Laureano
Getty ImagesPatrick Smith
Ramón Laureano
One of the biggest surprises of the season is the performance of Laureano. He was originally the Orioles’ fourth outfielder, but injuries and his play over the past two months have made him one of the more valuable trade options. He is batting .275 with 14 home runs this season and has played solid defense in the outfield.
He also has a team option for 2026 at only $6.5 million, which is a deal for someone putting up his current numbers. His value may be one of the reasons the team may keep him. He would be a cheaper option than fellow outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who could opt in on a two-year $33 million deal. Laureano could offer them insurance if O’Neill opts out of his current deal and could be a valuable veteran presence in the locker room.
Prediction: 50% chance of Trade
Team: San Diego PadresPitchers
Getty ImagesIcon Sportswire
The Orioles have three starting pitchers who all have expiring contracts. Zack Eflin, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano are all set to hit free agency. None of them are having great seasons, but they have been pitching better lately and could help a contending team’s rotation.
Sugano has been the healthiest and most consistent of that group, and despite being a 35-year-old rookie, he comes with some upside as he is still adjusting to major league pitching. Eflin has had injuries this season and has struggled, so his value is very low, and he would not garner much from a trade.
The pitcher most likely to be traded is reliever Seranthony Dominguez. He has a 3.24 ERA in 43 games this season and could be a closer or setup option for a team looking to improve its bullpen. The market is high for relievers, as the Orioles have already traded away two in Bryan Baker and Gregory Soto.
Prediction: 75% for Dominguez, minimal for starters
Team: Chicago Cubs (Dominguez)
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