Orioles Make Trade with Tampa Bay and Open the Door to Possible Player Sale
The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move by trading right-handed reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays, a rival team in the American League. In return, Baltimore will receive the number 37 pick in the 2025 MLB amateur draft. This move suggests that the team might be considering selling key players before the trade deadline.Elias mentioned the example of the 2024 Detroit Tigers, who made trades but kept their ace, Tarik Skubal, and managed to advance to the playoffs. However, he acknowledged Baltimore’s current situation, which is in last place in their division, 12.5 games behind the leader, the Toronto Blue Jays, and seven games out of the last wild card spot in the American League. The Orioles’ general manager stated that this move is a step in that direction, considering the timing of the draft and the importance of the selections involved in the trades. In a related move, the Orioles selected the contract of catcher David Bañuelos from Triple-A Norfolk. Bryan Baker was a key piece on the team, with an effectiveness of 3.52, 49 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.096 in 38.1 innings as a setup man for closer Felix Bautista. The team anticipates reinforcements with the return of injured players, including several potential starting pitchers: Grayson Rodriguez, Albert Suarez, Tyler Wells, and Kyle Bradish. Baltimore will now have four of the first 37 picks and seven of the first 93 in the draft. Elias emphasized the importance of these picks for the future of the franchise.Orioles general manager Mike Elias didn’t fully confirm this idea, but acknowledged the possibility of selling players.
Mike Elias
