Baltimore Orioles: One Fan’s Wish List For The Rest Of 2019

What do you hope to see happen as the Baltimore Orioles wrap up their first season of a massive rebuild?

The second half of the season began on Friday for the Baltimore Orioles, beginning with the O’s dropping three of four against the Tampa Bay Rays and the loss of starting pitchers Dylan Bundy (injury) and Andrew Cashner (trade with Boston). With the team currently holding the worst record in baseball, there isn’t much for Orioles fans to root for.

So what does an O’s fan have to look forward to? What’s on your wish list of things you want to see happen? Here’s a quick look at five things I’d like to see happen as the 2019 season winds down.

The trading of Trey Mancini.

Trey Mancini is peaking right now. The 27-year-old should have been All-Star, is having a career year, and is on pace to surpass his career-high home run total of 24 he has put up in each of his first two seasons. At a young age and with how he has been playing, now is the time when the Orioles should trade him to a contender for a noteworthy prospect or two. The window for contention is at least three seasons away, so it is best for the Orioles to trade Mancini at or near the July trade deadline to maximize the number of assets they receive.

The Orioles keep losing.

This one might anger some Orioles’ fans, but with the worst record in the majors and no shot at a playoff appearance, as much as it might not be fun to watch, having two straight number one picks is the best scenario for this team. A win here and there would be nice but full tank mode is what fans should root for in the second half of the season. Can you imagine a world where the Baltimore Orioles have six or seven top 100 prospects, maybe more? It’s a realistic probability.

The Orioles deal Pedro Severino or Chance Sisco. 

With the drafting of catcher Adley Rutschman number one overall this year, the Orioles are now crowded at catcher. Both Pedro Severino and Chance Sisco have finally been putting it together at the big league level this season. Sisco, 24, is probably the better hitter and Severino, 25,  is definitely the better fielding catcher. It’s really just what the Orioles want going forward, to give Rutschman some rest, once he reaches the major leagues. One of the two catchers should be dealt while they are still young, and at least look like they have future in the majors.

Ryan Mountcastle being called up.

Depending on the list you reference, Ryan Mountcastle is the top overall prospect in the Orioles’ farm system. He is having a great season in Triple-A Norfolk, hitting .307 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs. In his fifth year in the minors, it is time for the team to see what he can do in the majors. He deserves at least a September call up to see what he can do against major league pitching.

Chris Davis at least being decent.

The struggles of Chris Davis have been one of the biggest topics of discussion in baseball over the past couple of seasons and continue to haunt the Orioles and their fans. To see him pick it up after another horrendous first half would be a pleasant surprise. Seeing Davis finish with 20 home runs and an average above the Mendoza line would still leave him overpaid, but not completely useless.