It’s Now Seen As ‘Unlikely’ That Baltimore Orioles Trade Star Outfielder
There is a lot of anticipation about what moves the Baltimore Orioles will make during the offseason.
One of the starting pitchers they had been linked to is now no longer available on the free agency market, limiting the pool of candidates that they can pursue.
It’s also been assumed that the Orioles would get the ace-level starting they’re looking for via trade instead of spending during free agency. That would fit the philosophy of the organization who has been reluctant to spend large amounts of money previously.
A piece that is seen as their best trade chip is star outfielder Anthony Santander.
Because of the expected $12.7 million price tag that he would carry into the 2024 season, many speculate that Santander might be moved.
However, Jake Rill of MLB.com says that the chances of Baltimore moving their coveted slugger is unlikely.
“Santander has been among the O’s top hitters during his seven-year career, and he’s coming off a season in which he posted a .797 OPS and led the team in doubles (41), homers (28) and RBIs (95). Santander could be the centerpiece of a trade package that lands a quality pitcher, but the subtraction of his offense may not be worth it to the O’s,” he writes as reason why he probably remains on the team.
That likely won’t stop the Orioles from seeing what type of trade packages they could get in return, though.
If that salary projection turns accurate, the outfielder would be the highest paid player during general manager Mike Elias’ tenure.
Baltimore hasn’t been in the business of carrying expensive players during this rebuild, but they have gotten to the point where they have become major players in the league and can contend right now.
Rumors should still swirl about the possibility of a Santander trade this offseason, but right now it’s expected that the Orioles will enter 2024 with him on the roster.
Former Baltimore Orioles Farmhand Signs With Padres in Free Agency
The Baltimore Orioles have become known for drafting talent and developing them into promising prospects over the last several years. It’s one of the reasons why they are coming out of their rebuild looking poised to dominate for the foreseeable future.
One player who seemed on his way to putting his name into that mix of coveted prospects was Mason McCoy.
The Orioles selected him in the sixth round of the 2017 MLB Draft and he immediately produced, hitting .301/.382/.409 with a home run and 29 RBI across 53 games at the Single-A level in his first year.
For the next two seasons, McCoy continued to product at the plate, making it up to Double-A in his third professional season.
Unfortunately, the minor league season was cancelled in 2020 and he wasn’t able to compete.
When the infielder returned in 2021 at the Triple-A level, his production dipped a bit. He finished the year with a slash line of .221/.288/.368, hitting nine home runs and driving in 43 runs.
Baltimore traded McCoy to the Seattle Mariners in 2022 for cash considerations, marking the end of his time with the Orioles.
The infielder was able to showcase what he could do at the minor league level again, hitting .256/.332/.473 with career-high numbers in home runs (21), RBI (63) and stolen bases (22). He also set the Mariners’ Triple-A record with a .986 fielding percentage, only recording 6 errors all season.
