Orioles could risk busting team chemistry by moving a veteran hitter at trade deadline

The Orioles know that they're going to need some help on the pitching side at the trade deadline, which is now less than a week away. Starters John Means, Kyle Bradish, and Tyler Wells are out for the season recovering from Tommy John surgery and the rotation is decimated. The team desperately needs an arm to go next to staff ace Corbin Burnes.

In fact, in order to add that arm, the Orioles are considering drastic measures. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the team is willing to trade players such as Ryan Mountcastle and Cedric Mullins to get what they need at the deadline.

Orioles willing to trade veteran bats for arms

This would be an interesting scenario. Mountcastle has been a key member of the team since before they rose to contention in 2022. He's hit 12 home runs and posted a 109 wRC+ this season, but Baltimore could use a little extra production out of the first base position.

Interestingly enough, Baltimore wouldn't be losing too much by trading Mountcastle away, as they have players such as Heston Kjerstad, Coby Mayo, and Samuel Basallo in the system that can play first base, and it might be time to clear a path for some of their younger assets.

Mountcastle would be a valuable piece for any contending club looking for help at first base, so these rumors will certainly make for a compelling story. The Orioles could get some solid pitching in return for the veteran slugger by making a need-for-need swap.

The 27-year-old is hitting .267 with 43 RBI and an OPS of .745 this season, but Baltimore does have internal options that can take over at first base in the event that he is dealt to a fellow contender? It will be interesting to see what the Orioles can get for somebody like Mountcastle. It's always possible that General Manager Mike Elias will decide not to trade him or Mullins away.

Baltimore entered Wednesday's action with a record of 60-40, tied atop the Junior Circuit with the Cleveland Guardians and leading the New York Yankees in the American League East by 1.5 games.