2 Orioles trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn't happen

The Orioles have been at the center of the rumor mill as the MLB trade deadline approaches, and despite sitting atop the AL East, Baltimore could use its plentiful prospect pool or even established Major Leaguers to get even better for a playoff push. With the Orioles in position to swing big-time moves, it’s time to evaluate the best and worst potential deals available.

Trade For: Tarik Skubal

Baltimore has been linked to two preeminent young starters, and given the Orioles’ injury-ridden rotation, it comes as little surprise. While White Sox ace Garrett Crochet garnered early buzz, the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal entered the chat and completely turned the rumor mill to overdrive. Skubal may not even be available, but if Detroit is willing to deal, it may be time for the Orioles to shell out.

It will likely take either Jackson Holliday or Samuel Basallo to get this deal done, but it’s possible that the Orioles’ top prospects’ value has never been higher than it is right now. Basallo may be blocked at the Major League level, which might entice GM Mike Elias into including him in a deal.

Both Crochet and Skubal are under contract until 2027, but unlike Crochet, Skubal comes with years of starting experience and a track record of positive development. He’s gotten better every year despite dealing with injuries. For example, his slider has pulled a 180, improving from a -4 run value last season to a +4 in 2024.

Don’t Trade For: Garrett Crochet

Crochet leads the AL in strikeouts and FIP, but he comes with a number of concerns. He has dealt with a variety of injuries including shoulder inflammation last season, and he missed the 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. 

This is Crochet’s first full season as a starter, and he is already showing signs of slowing down. In his three July starts, he has completed just 10 innings as the White Sox are monitoring his workload. He also seems to be leveraging his willingness to play in the postseason in order to sign a more lucrative deal. The latest rumors indicate that the White Sox may hold off on trading Crochet until the offseason. The Orioles should hold off, too.

Trade For: Tanner Scott

Who doesn’t love a reunion? OK, sometimes, those go wrong, but Scott and Mason Miller are the two biggest closer names on the market. Every playoff team needs bullpen help, and the Orioles are no exception.

Lefty Cionel Perez has been the weakest member of the bullpen, so the left-handed Scott could help balance out the relief corps. Scott would be a rental, which may keep the Marlins’ asking price fairly low, a particularly appealing notion as Miller’s price is reportedly through the roof. Craig Kimbrel has a team option for next season, and Felix Bautista will return to the ‘pen, so the danger of lost value from a rental is relatively low.