The Orioles can’t miss out on an opportunity to cash in on their relievers

Following their recent mid-off series with the Detroit Tigers, the Orioles somehow find themselves within striking distance of the third Wild Card spot. While that is obviously encouraging for a team that has seen its fair share of struggles, it does leave GM Mike Elias in a bit of a pickle. The Orioles have a number of valuable bullpen arms that will certainly draw attention at the upcoming trade deadline. But with the team on the cusp of being perennial contenders, would selling off key relievers make the most sense for the future?  

As of right now, the Orioles are just 53-56. In past seasons, a sub-500 record at the deadline would usually be enough of a reason to become sellers. However, the team only trails the Cleveland Guardians by 2.5 games for the aforementioned third Wild Card spot. With a healthy dose of optimism, that means that Baltimore could be playing meaningful baseball come September. On the flipside, getting the most value for players like Rico Garcia, Yennier Cano, and Tyler Wells could be viewed as an even greater victory for 2027 and beyond. 

Buying low and selling high makes the most sense for the Orioles 

It’s been said over and over again, but pitching wins you rings. And for most teams, it’s often the bullpen that prevents them from collecting those rings. Year after year, contenders are let down by relievers that just aren’t up to the task. Despite the occasional bumps in the road this season, the Orioles have done a solid job building a decent bullpen that doesn’t break the bank. Just look at Garcia, a pitcher who struggled to find consistent success until rejoining the Orioles in 2025. This season, he launched himself into the spotlight by becoming one of the league’s most effective relievers through May. He has since fallen back down to Earth, but the value is still there, which is why it may be wise to cash in now before that value tanks any more.  

With a cheap contract and four more years of team control after this season, Garcia will most likely draw a decent amount of interest from contenders in search of a versatile bullpen arm. Mason Miller and Josh Hader will surely be the guys that every team will mortgage the future for in an attempt to acquire them. As the affordable option, Garcia won’t fetch any top prospects, but the Orioles could still easily make the most of his early-season dominance. 

The same can be said about Cano. Despite struggling mightily in 2025, the RHP has regained his form this season and is now pitching to the tune of 0.955 WHIP and an ERA+ of 191. With another cheap contract and two more years of team control after 2026, Cano could be the Orioles' most valuable trade chip. As noted by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the 32-year-old is already one of the “most coveted setup relievers” that may be available at the deadline. Elias will now be tasked with making sure he can get the best haul possible for Cano, which shouldn't be hard considering how in-demand the righty is across the league.     

Even pitchers like Wells and Andrew Kittredge could find themselves playing for new teams next week, though it actually might make more sense to hold onto Wells, especially if Cano and Garcia are dealt. Wells is having the strongest year of his six-year career, holding hitters to a .205 batting average and .619 OPS, making him an intriguing pitcher to keep around for next year. While Kittredge is 36 years old and a free agent after the season, he does have the most postseason experience out of anyone else in the O’s pen. That could make him more valuable to teams hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs. 

Despite still being in the Wild Card hunt, the Orioles are in prime position to deal their most prized assets. For a team better built for the future, selling their bullpen arms now can not only help prepare for 2027, but it will also capitalize on players whose value may never be higher.  

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