Early trade target considerations for the Baltimore Orioles

J.D. Davis or Adalberto Mondesi

Corner INF/OF or 2B/SS/3B

Both are under contract through 2022

Ok so we cheated, and couldn’t just give you one name for who could help with the infield depth. When we broke down who could help fill the depth issue, and give much-needed rest to the everyday starters, we looked for veterans, and players that could still be counted on when called upon. J.D. Davis and Adalberto Mondesi both fit those bills

Let’s start with Davis, who has a .845 OPS in three seasons with the NY Mets. Davis has already played about half of what he did in 2021, but his power is way down from previous years. He is currently hitting .245, with 12 RBIs, thought 27 games. He is still owed $2.76M before going into arbitration next year, so he’s certainly not a salary hit.

Early trade target considerations for the Baltimore Orioles

Moving onto Mondesi, and we find a completely different player than Davis. Adalberto can flat out run, reaching 20+ steals in three season, including leading the league in 2020. With all that in mind, he isn’t a long-term resident of Kansas City anymore. With injuries stomping him out, and youth taking over his position, there is only one way for him to go

There’s tons to love about Mondesi, besides his injury risk however. The man has boasted some tantalizing tools, and has shown them on many occasions. He reminds us of an infield version of Cedric Mullins with his pop and speed. Defensively, he is sound, more sound than Davis, making him a more viable option if you can look past the ailments.

Take your pick on this one, because Mondesi’s contract is also coming up, and he is still only owed $3M. Both the Mets and Royals aren’t lacking in the farm system realm, but could certainly do with some added depth. If I was Elias, I wouldn’t look to part ways with anything more than two minor leaguers at best.