The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, giving teams just over a week to assess their needs, explore the market, and make final roster adjustments for the season. The Baltimore Orioles, with a strong collection of prospects and a need for pitching, are expected to be key players in this period.
Typically, trades at this time involve contending teams offering prospects (and occasionally a fringe major leaguer) to non-contending teams in exchange for a proven big-league player. Players with expiring contracts or those in less critical roles, like middle relievers, tend to be less costly. Meanwhile, everyday position players or starting pitchers with multiple years of control command a higher price.
The Orioles have the prospects, such as Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo, to pursue top starters like Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet. They also have enough depth to bolster their bullpen. However, they might take unconventional routes to meet their goals.
In a recent radio interview, Jim Bowden mentioned that the Philadelphia Phillies had discussed trading for Cedric Mullins with the Orioles. This news might surprise many Orioles fans. Bowden didn’t specify the return, but Mullins, who has one more year of team control and is known for his defense and baserunning, has struggled at the plate this year (79 wRC+, .636 OPS). The Phillies could offer surplus bullpen parts in such a deal, but the Orioles might see this as a chance to clear roster and payroll space for other additions. Trading a regular centerfielder mid-season, even a platoon player, is unusual for a top team.
This rumor doesn’t necessarily mean Mullins is on the trading block. It could be speculative, connecting dots. The Orioles reportedly want a right-handed centerfielder to face left-handed pitchers. To make room, they might trade a current outfielder, with Mullins being the logical choice given his age, left-handedness, and declining performance.
Even if the Mullins rumor amounts to nothing, other Orioles players could be moved in the coming days. GM Mike Elias has been reluctant to trade young talent but might need to for a significant acquisition. Alternatively, he could fill roster gaps with lower-ceiling players, maintaining depth in the system while trading some bigger names.
Ramón Urías is one such player. The infielder, under team control through 2026, boasts a Gold Glove and a solid bat, heating up with a 1.143 OPS in July. He could appeal to a contender needing a utility player or a rebuilding team needing a short-term infield solution. The Orioles might not get much in return, but a middle reliever or back-end starter seems plausible.
Trading Urías would be easier if Jackson Holliday is ready for the second base job, moving Jorge Mateo to a utility role and allowing Jordan Westburg to play third base.
Kyle Stowers, not currently in the majors but a potential big leaguer, could also be traded. He has a .797 OPS in limited action and might fit well with a rebuilding team. While the return for Stowers wouldn’t be substantial, it could help the Orioles’ middle relief.
Another name to watch is Heston Kjerstad, a former second overall pick. Though not as valuable as Holliday or Mayo, Kjerstad could attract interest from teams aiming to compete in the next few years. Kjerstad has been performing well (.296/.406/.500) but might struggle to find playing time with the Orioles’ other young outfielders and minor league depth.
If the Orioles want to keep Holliday, Mayo, and Basallo, Kjerstad might be necessary in a significant trade. While they could make smaller additions without trading these prospects, adding an impact arm would likely require parting with a high-potential player like Kjerstad. The Orioles need to improve now, which might conflict with Elias’ long-term vision. Trading the mentioned players could balance immediate needs with future goals without depleting the farm system.