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Orioles could find a solution to third base logjam, rotation needs by capitalizing on Marlins desires

Two birds, one stone.
ByBrian Burrows
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Sep 16, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles third base Christian Encarnacion-Strand (32) celebrates with third baseman Coby Mayo (16) after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles third base Christian Encarnacion-Strand (32) celebrates with third baseman Coby Mayo (16) after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Baltimore Orioles find themselves overloaded with infield talent. Having a logjam is usually a good problem to have because that means the surplus value can be used to make trades and upgrade elsewhere on the roster. Mike Elias has done that in the past, and he has a sparkling opportunity to do so again with a familiar team.

A recent report by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald said that the Marlins are looking to make upgrades in the corner infield and corner outfield this offseason. The Orioles have a golden opportunity to fill their needs while clearing their own jam.

Heading into the 2026-'27 offseason, the Orioles have Coby Mayo, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jordan Westburg, and Blaze Alexander, who can all play third base for them next season. While all four are positionally versatile in some way or another, every other spot on the infield dirt is currently accounted for as well, meaning the O's will need to move one or more of them to give them adequate playing time. That's where the Marlins come in.

Miami already has their middle infield sorted, but could use players at either corner infield spot. That would make Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand the most likely candidates, but if Baltimore wanted to move a potentially more proven piece, Westburg is the option.

The Marlins and Orioles have complementary surpluses they could both use to strike a perfect deal

What could Miami send in return? Pitching. Over the past few seasons, the Fish have not been scared to deal from their starting pitching depth to upgrade the roster elsewhere, and it's unlikely this offseason is much different. The Marlins have top prospects nearing their MLB call-up, and players at the major league level they could be enticed to move.

Elias made a similar move with Miami just a few seasons ago. At the 2024 trade deadline, he traded away Kyle Stowers and Connor Norby for Trevor Rogers. It took half a season, but Rogers bloomed into a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Birds, and Stowers has developed into an All-Star for Miami.

This time around, Sandy Alcantara or Eury Perez would be clear upgrades for Baltimore, while Max Meyer or Janson Junk would be cheaper options who would improve the Birds' rotation depth.

It will depend on who Elias wants to make available to actually get value in this deal. Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner recently reported that Elias is willing to listen on everyone but Pete Alonso, but he still won't trade a valuable player for a bag of Cracker Jacks, either.

Miami seems like the perfect trade partner for the Orioles. Elias just can't wait; there are other teams that would love to get their hands on one of Miami's starters, too. If he waits too long, those potential deals will be off the table.

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