Birdland has been rocking ever since the beginning of the 2023 season. The Orioles currently sit in second place in the American League East and are tied with the Dodgers for the 2nd best record in baseball. The Orioles have been known to sell at the deadline, as Jorge Lopez and Trey Mancini were shipped during the 2022 season. If the Orioles are sellers again, or even buyers at the deadline, these are some players who could be moved.
Tyler Wells: 3rd-year right-hander Tyler Wells is the best arm in the Orioles’ rotation right now. Pitching to a 2.68 earned run average over 47 innings, Wells leads the majors with a 0.79 WHIP. If Wells keeps this up, then trading him is out the door, but if Wells begins to struggle or become league-average, a team with playoff hopefuls could make a call.
Adam Frazier/Ramon Urias: Frazier was one of Baltimore’s lone free agents that they acquired in the offseason. Frazier, coming off a down year with the Seattle Mariners, had three home runs, 41 RBI, and a .238 batting average. 2023 has been a shockingly good start for Frazier. He has four home runs, 16 RBIs, and a .224 average in 42 games this season. Ramon Urias is another veteran to look out for. He is having a below-average season with a .278 batting average and 12 driven-in. A team could give the Orioles a call for either of the veterans, as they have the infield depth for a trade possibility.
Austin Hays: With the highest possibility of being moved at the deadline, Hays has had an above-average 2023 campaign. Hays’ slugging and on-base percentage are the highest since his short 2019 newcomer stint. Hitting .299 with 5 home runs and 14 RBI, Hays is having the best offensive start to his career. The O’s have top outfield prospect Colton Cowser looming at Triple-AAA Norfolk, and unless Ryan McKenna or Terrin Vavra get optioned, Austin Hays would be a good option to look towards in adding a piece at the deadline.
