Orioles' report reveals Mike Elias' plans for 2026 MLB trade deadline
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Orioles' report reveals Mike Elias' plans for 2026 MLB trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Baltimore Orioles are currently well behind in the AL East, sitting 12 games back from the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays.
Fortunately, even with a sub-par 42-48 record, the Orioles are just 3.5 games out of a wild card spot, with the very weak AL opening the door for a run for Baltimore.
In such a close postseason hunt, it's fair to wonder what the Orioles will do at the MLB trade deadline. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on the team's plan for the deadline, revealing what Mike Elias plans to do, and is telling teams this summer.
Orioles trade deadline plans revealed with Mike Elias explanation to MLB
"The Baltimore Orioles, who looked like a team that would take off and become a juggernaut when they won 101 games in 2023, now have GM Mike Elias telling teams he's willing to move prospects at the trade deadline as they desperately try to become relevant again," Nightengale reports.
This is a very significant report, as it reveals the Orioles, despite being 3.5 games out of the wild card and six games under .500, are trying to buy at the deadline.
Not only will this be bad news for teams hoping to acquire someone like Taylor Ward at the deadline, but from the Orioles perspective, it's a risky maneuver, depending on how they approach the deadline.
It's very possible the Orioles, acting as deadline buyers, miss the postseason still. In such a scenario, any rental they acquire would be a big mistake.
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However, if Elias want's to buy at the deadline, he should be looking to add controllable players who would stick around in Baltimore beyond the 2026 season.
With a big need in the starting rotation, someone like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, or Robbie Ray would not make sense for the Orioles, as they're all rentals hitting free agency after 2026.
Instead, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Sonny Gray, and Joe Ryan should be top targets for the Orioles this summer if Elias is planning to buy.
This is going to be a very fascinating deadline for the Orioles, as they might still buy even if they're outside of the postseason come the August 3 deadline date.
Baltimore doesn't want to enter another rebuild, and Elias is prepared to move on from their prospects in order to add talent at the deadline to improve the team and push for a spot in the wide-open American League postseason picture.