5 Hypothetical Trades The Baltimore Orioles Could Make At The Deadline

5 Hypothetical Trades The Baltimore Orioles Could Make At The Deadline

By Ben Linton

July 16, 2015

5 Hypothetical Trades The Baltimore Orioles Could Make At The Deadline

Justin Upton — The Baltimore Orioles (44-44) are among the many teams in contention for the highly competitive AL East this year. If they hope to repeat as champions, the team may need to make deal at the trade deadline. Here are five possible moves that Baltimore could make to improve in the second half of the season.

The Baltimore Orioles (44-44) are among the many teams in contention for the highly competitive AL East this year. If they hope to repeat as champions, the team may need to make deal at the trade deadline. Here are five possible moves that Baltimore could make to improve in the second half of the season.

5. RP Tommy Hunter, SP Mike Wright for OF Gerardo Parra

Gerardo Parra

5. RP Tommy Hunter and SP Mike Wright for OF Gerardo Parra

Gerardo Parra — The Orioles desperately need to find a solution in the corner outfield spots, and adding a player like Parra would be an affordable way to do it. He's having a great season for the Milwaukee Brewers, batting .309 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs and six steals as a leadoff hitter. He'd be perfect as a No. 2 hitter for the Orioles behind Manny Machado. Baltimore would likely have to give up some of its pitching in order to get this deal done.

The Orioles desperately need to find a solution in the corner outfield spots, and adding a player like Parra would be an affordable way to do it. He's having a great season for the Milwaukee Brewers, batting .309 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs and six steals as a leadoff hitter. He'd be perfect as a No. 2 hitter for the Orioles behind Manny Machado. Baltimore would likely have to give up some of its pitching in order to get this deal done.

4. SP Bud Norris and OF Steve Pearce for SP Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir

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4. SP Bud Norris and OF Steve Pearce for SP Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir — The Orioles remember Kazmir from his days with the Tampa Bay Rays, but now he's excelling out in Oakland. Kazmir is 5-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP this season and possesses playoff experience. Although he's had injury problems in the past, Kazmir will still be one of the most enticing arms on the market this year.

The Orioles remember Kazmir from his days with the Tampa Bay Rays, but now he's excelling out in Oakland. Kazmir is 5-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP this season and possesses playoff experience. Although he's had injury problems in the past, Kazmir will still be one of the most enticing arms on the market this year.

3. SP Kevin Gausman and OF Dariel Alvarez for OF Charlie Blackmon

Charlie Blackmon

3. SP Kevin Gausman and OF Dariel Alvarez for OF Charlie Blackmon

Charlie Blackmon — The 39-49 Rockies are likely sellers at the trade deadline, and Blackmon might be someone they try to move. Baltimore needs more players who hit for average and steal bases, which is exactly what Blackmon does for Colorado. He's batting .291 with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs and 23 steals this season. The Orioles would have to give up one of its best young pitchers and top outfield prospect in exchange for Blackmon.

The 39-49 Rockies are likely sellers at the trade deadline, and Blackmon might be someone they try to move. Baltimore needs more players who hit for average and steal bases, which is exactly what Blackmon does for Colorado. He's batting .291 with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs and 23 steals this season. The Orioles would have to give up one of its best young pitchers and top outfield prospect in exchange for Blackmon.

2. SP Kevin Gausman, 2B Jonathan Schoop and OF Dariel Alvarez for SP Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto

2. SP Kevin Gausman, 2B Jonathan Schoop and OF Dariel Alvarez for SP Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto — The most coveted player at the trade deadline will be Cueto, who holds the ninth-best ERA (2.73) and third-best WHIP (0.90) in the National League. A number of teams will be trying to acquire the Cincinnati ace, which will drive his price up. The Orioles would have to give up a plethora of young talent in order to make this move, making it an unlikely possibility.

The most coveted player at the trade deadline will be Cueto, who holds the ninth-best ERA (2.73) and third-best WHIP (0.90) in the National League. A number of teams will be trying to acquire the Cincinnati ace, which will drive his price up. The Orioles would have to give up a plethora of young talent in order to make this move, making it an unlikely possibility.

1. 2B Ryan Flahery, SP Kevin Gausman and OF Steve Pearce for OF Justin Upton

Justin Upton

1. 2B Ryan Flaherty, SP Kevin Gausman and OF Steve Pearce for OF Justin Upton

Justin Upton — After the departures of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis, the Orioles' outfield is in desperate need of production. Upton has shined in San Diego this year, hitting 14 home runs with 48 RBIs and 17 steals on the way to his third All-Star selection. Though it'd require a lot to obtain him, Upton would provide the O's with outfield stability and offensive firepower for the remainder of the season.

After the departures of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis, the Orioles' outfield is in desperate need of production. Upton has shined in San Diego this year, hitting 14 home runs with 48 RBIs and 17 steals on the way to his third All-Star selection. Though it'd require a lot to obtain him, Upton would provide the O's with outfield stability and offensive firepower for the remainder of the season.

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