MLB Rumors: Orioles ‘Intently Exploring’ Trade Market for Outfielder and Bullpen Help.

According to reports, the Baltimore Orioles are preparing for the MLB trade deadline on July 30th, even as they contend with the New York Yankees for supremacy in the American League East.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles are “intently exploring” trade options to add bullpen depth and may also be looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder.

According to Rosenthal, Orioles general manager Mike Elias has informed rival teams that he could be interested in acquiring a starting pitcher, though that might not occur unless Baltimore’s staff has more ailments.

With a bullpen ERA of 3.24 this season, the Orioles rank a respectable fourth in Major League Baseball, but they could certainly use another reliable reliever.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Félix Bautista, who was the Orioles’ closer the previous season and was considered for the Cy Young Award before getting hurt, will not be pitching this season.

In order to replace him as closer, Baltimore brought in 36-year-old veteran Craig Kimbrel, who has done a fantastic job, with a 2.70 ERA and converting 15 of a possible 18 saves.
With 1.76 and 2.37 ERAs, respectively, Jacob Webb and Yennier Canó have demonstrated their ability to perform well in late-game situations.

Given that top southpaw Danny Coulombe was placed on the injured list on Tuesday due to elbow irritation, Baltimore’s biggest bullpen need might be a lefty.

While players like Ryan Mountcastle, Jordan Westburg, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Ryan O’Hearn are having great seasons offensively, Baltimore’s outfield output has been deficient.

The 24-year-old Colton Cowser is hitting just.230, Anthony Santander is second on the club with 14 home runs but is only hitting.224, and Austin Hays is hitting.234 with just two home runs. Former All-Star Cedric Mullins is having a terrible season with a.174 batting average.

Even with those problems, the Orioles have one of the best lineups in baseball; however, the lineup could be even deeper and more well-rounded if a good righty bat were added to the outfield.

With an ERA of 3.27 or below, Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Cole Irvin make up a strong starting rotation for the Orioles.

Although he is presently on the injured list due to a triceps strain, Dean Kremer is another reliable fifth starter for them.

With the injuries to Tyler Wells and John Means, Baltimore has already lost two of its starting pitchers for the season. Should another starter sustain a major injury, acquiring a starting pitcher will probably become a much more practical option for the team.