Baltimore Orioles Trade Plans Revealed During MLB Offseason

The Baltimore Orioles are open for business this offseason, with one exception. According to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner, president of baseball operations Mike Elias and new general manager Jared Banner are willing to listen to trade offers for every player on the roster except first baseman Pete Alonso. They are in search of starting pitching and outfield help.

The front office is not actively shopping anyone, but the door is open as Baltimore looks to reshape a roster that missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

The Orioles finished 79-82 this year, fourth in the AL East and 18.5 games behind the pennant-winning Tampa Bay Rays. The rotation posted a 4.24 ERA, 17th in the majors.

Alonso is off the table for many reasons. In his first season in Baltimore, the 31-year-old first baseman hit .267 with 43 home runs, 113 RBI and an .885 OPS across 161 games. His guaranteed production is not something the Orioles are going to move.

Kostka also noted that a deal involving shortstop Gunnar Henderson is considered unlikely and would require a big return. So while the front office is listening, there are limits.

The rotation is the biggest need. Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz are under contract, but Baltimore wants to add at least one starting pitcher. Left-hander Trevor Rogers could also walk in free agency if he declines a qualifying offer, which would create another opening in the rotation.

The outfield needs an upgrade too. Colton Cowser hit .226 in 142 games. Dylan Beavers batted .228 in 104 appearances. Tyler O'Neill struggled to stay on the field again. All three players have not proven they are good enough for a team trying to return to the postseason.

Catching is another area to watch. The Orioles traded Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox at the deadline and are now leaning on Samuel Basallo, who signed an eight-year extension last year and hit .222 with 18 home runs and 54 RBI in 112 games.

The organization believes in his long-term ceiling, but adding another option behind the plate while he develops remains a possibility.

Baltimore has infield depth that could be used as trade currency. Coby Mayo hit .228 with 24 home runs and 63 RBI, and the organization has multiple third base options including Jordan Westburg and Blaze Alexander. That surplus gives the front office something to offer in negotiations.

The Orioles are not tearing things down. They are trying to get better. Listening to offers on most of the roster while protecting their two best players is a reasonable way to operate.