Orioles Rumors: Baltimore's line in sand could make Mason Miller trade impossible

Almost every Major League Baseball organization has their list of untouchables, right? You know, those young players that teams feel will be crucial to their success in the future or longstanding franchise icons who fans can't imagine playing anywhere else.

When it comes to the Baltimore Orioles, they would seem to have a list of untouchable prospects within their farm system. It would seem that the O's front office holds several of the team's top young talent in high esteem — so much so that Baltimore is reportedly unwilling to part with them, even if it helped to bolster the Orioles bullpen in a potential championship season.

Orioles Rumors: Baltimore won't trade top prospects

According to former major league general manager Jim Bowden (who is now a contributor for The Athletic), the Orioles are focused on improving their bullpen, but plan on doing it without giving up any of their top four or five prospects.

That would seem to indicate that Baltimore has no plans to part ways with Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo or Heston Kjerstad. Last year's first-round pick Enrique Bradfield Jr. may be off limits as well. Both MLB Pipeline and The Athletic's Keith Law (subscription required) view the top-five prospects in the Orioles farm system in the same order.

Bowden also mentioned that Baltimore could be seeking a fourth outfielder at the trade deadline, and even mentioned the possibility that the Orioles may look to add Chicago White Sox slugger Tommy Pham.

Baltimore doesn't plan to deal Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, or other top Orioles prospects at the MLB trade deadline

As a whole, the Baltimore bullpen has been quite good this season. The O's relief corps ranks among the top-5 in ERA (3.29), saves (21), hits allowed (170), and WHIP. But the Orioles' brass knows that if Baltimore wants to make a run during the MLB Postseason, having a stable of elite-level relievers is a must.

Not giving up one of their top prospects in exchange for a relief arm is probably a wise choice on the part of the Orioles front office, but it will limit the type of deals Baltimore can make. Players like Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, and other top relievers may require the O's to part ways with one or more of their top young pieces.

But if Bowden's reporting is true, then perhaps Baltimore will look to add some supplemental arms rather than one of the top closers rumored to be available at the MLB trade deadline. Either way, it looks as if the Orioles will be shopping for some extra arms this summer.

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