Mike Elias' rumored response to Orioles' trade deadline pressure is bizarre

Whether they want to admit it, the Baltimore Orioles will likely be sellers at this year's MLB Trade Deadline. After a division title and two playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles will probably enter July with a losing record and could be in last place in the AL East.

As play begins June 12, that's exactly where the O's are. Baltimore is 14 games behind the New York Yankees and eight out of a playoff spot. The Orioles have played better lately and are almost at full strength after multiple key players returned from the injured list. They're still a long shot to be in the playoff picture.

With several players on expiring contracts, the Orioles should be involved in multiple trades over the next few weeks. Baltimore doesn't have to go into a full rebuild, but gaining some prospect capital for players that likely aren't part of the team's long-term plans is smart business.

That being said, Orioles general manager Mike Elias might be fighting for his job. Making an impactful addition is a potential risk, but it also allows Elias another opportunity to show ownership that he can build a World Series contender.

Elias will try to bring in a top-end starting pitcher, per The Athletic's Jim Bowden. The former MLB executive said the Orioles' head of baseball ops is not dead set on being a seller, and instead wants to acquire a game-changing starter, akin to Baltimore's trade for Corbin Burnes in 2024.

Ken Rosenthal also reported that the Orioles will try to trade off players in the final year of their deals while acquiring players that might fit their roster in 2026.

Can the Orioles play both sides during MLB Trade Deadline?

The consensus that the Orioles should be sellers is not accidental. Baltimore's need for starting rotation help is also true. How can the O's fulfill both necessities? Perhaps with patience.

The premier starting pitchers available at this year's trade deadline might be out of Baltimore's price range. The Orioles no longer have a can't-miss prospect pool to dig into for trade value, limiting their options for swinging a big midseason trade.

However, as Rosenthal suggests, Baltimore can build its farm system for the offseason by trading away valuable players. Teams will undoubtedly call about Ryan O'Hearn, Zach Eflin, Cedric Mullins, and others. There's real value within the trade packages the O's would get in exchange for those players.

The Orioles can't handcuff themselves and think they'll be in playoff contention at any point this season. Maybe not every player who will be a free agent at season's end has to be traded, but Baltimore would be doing a disservice by not at least listening to offers.

Adding major league talent shouldn't be the priority for the Orioles this trade deadline. However, if the right player falls into their lap, who would blame them for making an unexpected move? Elias might have to save his job with a splash addition. Maybe it comes in July, but O's fans shouldn't hold their breaths.

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