Baltimore Orioles Trade Rumors: Tracking Hot Updates, News and Reaction

Offseason predictions of doom and gloom this season after the Baltimore Orioles lost the services of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis have yet to come to fruition, as the club remains in the thick of the race for a wide-open American League East despite playing .500 baseball.

As executive vice president Dan Duquette told MASN Sports' Steve Melewski, the Orioles haven't lost sight of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: "We have some pretty solid depth to the team and within our organization. Our club is in the hunt and we want to stay in the hunt and we're going to do what we can to supplement our major league club."

That leaves open many doors, from bolstering the bench to finding an upgrade in a corner outfield spot or perhaps even adding another starter to the rotation mix. It would seem that all options are currently on the table for the O's.

Keep it here for the most up-to-the-minute rumblings about the Orioles along with analysis and everything else that comes with it. While the post date will always show as July 15, simply click to the next slide to see the latest from the rumor mill as the O's look to bolster their roster for the stretch run.

Done Deals

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

July 31: Traded OF Gerardo Parra to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for RHP Zach Davies

July 31: Traded RHP Tommy Hunter to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for OF Junior Lake

July 31: Acquire Gerardo Parra from Brewers

RICK SCUTERI/Associated Press

The Baltimore Orioles have acquired outfielder Gerardo Parra from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-hander Zach Davies.

A free agent at season's end, the 28-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career at the plate, hitting .326 with 38 extra-base hits (nine home runs), 31 RBI and a .884 OPS. He's due the balance of a $6.2 million salary before hitting the open market.

July 31: Designated RHP Bud Norris for Assignment

Gail Burton/Associated Press

Update: Friday, July 31 at 12:45 p.m. ET

The Baltimore Orioles have designated Bud Norris for assignment.

Wednesday, July 22 at 11:36 p.m. ET

The Orioles are trying to trade right-handed starter Bud Norris, according to a report from Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The 30-year-old has struggled mightily for Baltimore this year, pitching to a 6.82 ERA (5.65 FIP) and 1.58 WHIP over 60.2 innings of work. To make matters worse, Norris is still due about $4 million this season. Between his performance and pay, it'd be a wonder if any team actually showed interest.

Even if the Orioles were able to find a taker, they'd likely either have to take a bad contract back or essentially give Norris away for nothing, even if they were to pick up the money left on his deal.

Orioles Have Talked to Colorado About Carlos Gonzalez

Andrew Nelles/Associated Press

Thursday, July 30 at 6:46 p.m. ET

The Orioles and Rockies have talked about a trade that would send two-time All-Star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to Baltimore, but CBS Sports' Jon Heyman says that a deal is unlikely.

Colorado covets Kevin Gausman, who the Orioles are not looking to trade, and it's not clear whether the Rockies would do a deal based around guys like Mike Wright, Mychal Givens and the currently injured Hunter Harvey.

Still, you can't help but envision CarGo in an Orioles uniform and how he'd be a terrific fit next to Adam Jones in one of the outfield corners.

Kevin Gausman and Mychal Givens Are Not Going Anywhere

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Update: Wednesday, July 29 at 3:15 p.m. ET

While Baltimore continues to search for a big bat, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick tweets that Baltimore is holding firm in its stance that neither Gausman, nor pitching prospect Mychal Givens is available.

--End of Update--

Wednesday, July 22 at 2:40 p.m. ET

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that Baltimore are at least willing to talk about including 24-year-old Kevin Gausman in potential trades as the club looks to bolster itself for the stretch run.

The fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft, Gausman's has bounced between the bullpen and rotation since making his MLB debut in 2012, not exactly the best way to develop a young pitcher with front-of-the-rotation stuff.

It's at least reasonable to think that Baltimore learned its lesson after last year's Eduardo Rodriguez-for-Andrew Miller deal and wouldn't consider including Gausman unless it was getting a controllable player back.

Then again, desperate times call for desperate measures, and with a slew of free agents to re-sign after the season, including Chris Davis and Matt Wieters, the Orioles may see their window to contend with this current group closing a bit and opt to make a bold move to take one more shot at a deep playoff run.

Baltimore and San DIego Are Discussing a Potential Justin Upton Deal

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Update: Wednesday, July 29 at 7:56 a.m. ET

Baltimore is still in pursuit of Justin Upton from San Diego, tweets Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

--End of Update--

Update: Monday, July 27 at 8:55 p.m. ET

The Orioles and Padres have been discussing a potential deal that would bring Upton to Baltimore, per a report from ESPN's Jayson Stark, who says that one of San Diego's starters could be in play as well.

Stark follows that original report up by saying that the more he pokes around, the less likely a deal seems, but that one cannot be ruled out yet.

Update: Sunday, July 19 at 4:55 p.m. ET

Baltimore does indeed have interest in San Diego's Justin Upton, sources tell Fox Sports' Jon Morosi, though it's unclear whether there have been any substantial talks between the two clubs.

--End of Update--

Thursday, July 16 at 9:56 a.m. ET

It's no secret that aside from Adam Jones, Baltimore's outfield production has been a major area of concern this season. Left field, particularly, has been a gaping hole, with those given a chance to play postin a wRC+ of 86, which isn't an awful number but still represents below average production.

So it's not surprising that the team is willing to explore bringing in some outside help, as Dan Duquette explained to The Baltimore Sun's Dan Connolly:

"It depends on what the quality of the players that are available comparative to the players we have. So that's something we'll have to take a look at. We would hope to get more production out of left field in the second half of the season."

The most obvious outside addition would be San Diego's Justin Upton, but the Padres' asking price may be too high for Baltimore's liking, even with Upton struggling in his walk year. Someone like Milwaukee's Gerardo Parra, who wouldn't cost nearly as much to obtain as Upton, could also be a possibility.

Should the team decide to stay in-house, Cuban prospect Dariel Alvarez figures to get the first shot to lock down the position.

"I do like the way Dariel Alvarez is playing at Triple-A," Duquette said. "He's leading the International League in total bases, which tells you a couple things: One, that he posts, plays every day, and two, that he has a dangerous bat."

Chris Davis Is Not a Trade Candidate

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

It's become clear that Chris Davis' MVP-caliber campaign in 2013—when he hit .286 with 53 home runs, 138 RBI and a 1.004 OPS—wasn't a breakout season but an aberration. While the 29-year-old continues to produce runs in Baltimore, he's not capable of doing so at an elite level on a yearly basis.

Coupled with his impending free agency (he's destined to test the market as a Scott Boras client), that has led to some Orioles fans calling for the club to trade him now, whether it be for prospects or as part of a bigger package for a front-end starting pitcher.

But that's not going to happen, as the Baltimore Sun's Dan Connolly reports:

"

Despite his offensive flaws -- he’s hitting .235 with 110 strikeouts in 307 at-bats -- he is tied with Manny Machado for the team lead in homers with 19 and he is leading the Orioles in RBIs with 52.

Ultimately, I was told the Orioles don’t feel like they can surrender Davis’ production in a lineup that is enigmatic at best, even if it meant getting a solid prospect or two in return.

"

While we can debate all day whether it's the right call, it's the one the Orioles have made. Should they fall out of contention before the deadline, however, things could change.