Baltimore Orioles: 2020 August Trade Deadline Predictions

The August 31 MLB Trade Deadline is quickly approaching, and the Baltimore Orioles are just a few wins away from being in a playoff spot.

But, with the unexpected success of the 2020 Baltimore Orioles squad, what can Mike Elias do to get the team to the playoffs?

He could trade for a big bat or shore up the pitching. But will he?

If the past few seasons have proven anything, it’s that the Orioles probably won’t do anything. They’ve already traded away their most valuable pieces a few seasons ago, and the team is succeeding with players picked up off of waivers and Rule-5 selections.

The veteran players with big contracts aren’t overly valuable to other squads. So, as usual, expect the Orioles to keep Chris Davis (would anyone even ask for him at this point?). Alex Cobb has one more year at $15 million with the Orioles, and I’m pretty sure that no one will come knocking for him, either.  Jose Iglesias is a free agent at the end of the season, and after batting .400, he might seek more money elsewhere. Andrew Velazquez will also be a free agent at the end of the season, and Richie Martin should be all healed up and ready to take over at shortstop in 2021.

The bullpen does have a few arms that could draw some interest. Especially, Mychal Givens. He is still under team control in 2021, so the Orioles will most likely only entertain mind-blowing offers. The Orioles have even more control over Miguel Castro. Will the Orioles trade either of them? I’m going to go out on a very safe and sturdy limb and say no.

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MLB.com posted their predictions for all 30 teams at the deadline, and they do have a few interesting ideas. One is that the Twins – who at 20-10 are leading the AL Central and tied with the A’s atop the AL overall – will make a deal for Givens. They’ve got a few prospects in their system with right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran ready to go in 2021. If the Twins seriously want Givens, they will have for fork over a load of talent.

One other MLB.com prediction caught my attention, and if I had a say in the matter, I’d tell Elias to explore it. Yes, the Orioles already have a few DHs, but if there’s a chance that the Red Sox make JD Martinez available at the deadline, I’d snap him up in a heartbeat. Imagine what the top four would look like with Hanser Alberto, Anthony Santander, Renato Nunez, and JD Martinez. Martinez hasn’t had the best year and the Red Sox are at the bottom of the AL East …

I’ve also heard a few rumors that Elias is still interested in Yasiel Puig. He was set to sign with the Braves, but tested positive for COVID-19 as the deal was in progress. The two parties never made a deal, according to Ken Rosenthal with The Athletic. So, he’s still out there… somewhere.

Back to reality.

As Orioles fans, you know that the front office does not like to open the wallet. So, at the Trade Deadline in a few days, don’t expect anything to happen. Your 2020 Orioles will stay exactly the same as it is today.