Trade, keep, build around: 3 Baltimore Orioles with 3 different outcomes

The Baltimore Orioles are past the proverbial point of the year where “it’s still early” is a thing. With the rebuild still happening, what moves are next?

I’m sure by this point in your life; you’ve all heard of the game date, marry, kill, or some variation of it. Well, for the Baltimore Orioles, it appears that it might be that time of year again. The O’s are certainly in rebuild mode, but they have a lot of moving parts still to be locked down.

In our own variation of date, marry, kill, we will dub it trade, keep, and build around. Our three players in question are the three players that have been rumored to move or can’t seem to lock down a long-term deal. Those three names are Trey Mancini, Anthony Santander, and Cedric Mullins. All longer-term O’s, with a lot to still give, but also could bring in more talent and future.

Trade, keep, build around: 3 Baltimore Orioles with 3 different outcomes.

Trey Mancini

Under Contract through 2022

Let’s start with this; neither of these moves may be popular ones, but the harsh reality is that the O’s have a load of outstanding talent coming up, and they need room to prove it. Trey Mancini might not be in one for those positions, but his value is at an all-time high, especially with the National League using Designated Hitters now.

Trey is the most veteran player on this team, and out of these three seems to be more of the voice for senior leadership around the Baltimore Orioles clubhouse. To catch you up, the Baltimore Orioles avoided arbitration with Mancini with a $7.75 million salary agreement, but since then, things have been quieted.

If you do a quick google search, you will instantly find that Mancini is the name on everyone’s radar, and why not? However, he should also be on the top of the O’s radar as well. Now at 30 years of age, he’s no longer the young guy, but what he could be is a leader for the younger generation—the O’s newest version of Cal Ripken, someone who stays to see it through.

Narrowing down the possible outcomes: Build around or Trade

Anthony Santander

Under Contract through 2025

We recently sent out a tweet, and the results have been astounding, to say the least. Most of you want them all gone, while others say neither. Then there are the differing opinions on who should go and who shouldn’t. So, we decided to have some fun with it and continue playing armchair GM for the day. Step aside, Mike Elias, we got this!

Divorces are sloppy, even in baseball. If the Baltimore Orioles trade away Anthony Santander, things will get or feel even sloppier. The switch-hitting outfielder is on fire this season and looking to have his best season as an Oriole. So, why trade him? Or maybe better yet, why not?

The folks in the why trade him camp are looking at what he does for the O’s. Power, consistency, and fielding for starters, but he contributes so much more. Having someone that knows the strike zone as he does is crucial. Having a trusted outfielder with a cannon helps save games. Having someone with locked-in power at any given moment is key to the offensive success.

Trade, keep, build around: 3 Baltimore Orioles with 3 different outcomes

Tony Taters might have come to Baltimore on a whim, but he has become so much more over the past few seasons. Divorces are sloppy and, even in baseball, are worth repeating again. We see you too for the other folks in the trade him now camp. Allowing for growth in the minors is crucial, especially during a rebuild. The likes of Neustrom, Nevin and even Diaz depend on it.

Santander is three years younger than Mancini but arguably doesn’t have the same hold on the locker room. Plus, with his age still in the “prime” category, he can be worth a lot more. Make a move if you can find a club willing to part ways with a few key prospects or even one with a dependable arm. If not, keep him and allow him to be a continued part of the rebuild.

Narrowing down the possible outcomes: Trade or keep for now