MLB Execs Think Orioles Will Have 'Biggest Impact' on Trade Market Ahead of Deadline

MLB executives believe the 35-46 Baltimore Orioles will have the “biggest impact” on the trade market ahead of the MLB trade deadline, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

While teams like Pittsburgh, Washington, Miami and the Athletics also have players who could draw interest, none are expected to match the potential impact of the assets Baltimore holds.

“I still find it hard to believe that they are going to decide to be an official ‘seller’ until late July,” one NL executive said, per Feinsand. “I would be shocked if they sell unless they have a long losing streak in the near future. They have an extremely talented roster and they certainly aren’t out of it at this point.”

Baltimore could move some key names ahead of the deadline, including first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and standout outfielders Cedric Mullins and Ramón Laureano. On the pitching side, aces Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton are also potential trade chips who could bolster several contending rotations, per Feinsand.

“It’s not very close,” said another NL executive, per Feinsand. “The Orioles players on expiring contracts represent a better collection of talent than the other current likely sellers.”

The Orioles sit fifth in the AL East, 11.5 games behind first place New York Yankees. The trade deadline is set for July 31 at 6 p.m. ET.