MIKE ELIAS SAYS 'WE'RE GOING FOR IT' AT 2026 TRADE DEADLINE

The Orioles plan to be aggressive buyers at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline despite currently holding a losing 39-45 record.

Strategic Outlook
Parity Advantage: High parity in the American League keeps Baltimore firmly within postseason striking distance.
Unwavering Goal: Management remains fully committed to securing a 2026 playoff spot.
Future Confidence: Leadership believes a healthy roster can make a deep run in October.

Team Context
Roster Additions: Recent major acquisitions include Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, and Shane Baz.
New Leadership: The team is navigating its first season under manager Craig Albernaz.
Long-Term Core: The front office explicitly stated its desire to keep catcher Adley Rutschman long-term.

Executive Accountability
Pressure: President of baseball operations Mike Elias acknowledges job security pressure after a disappointing 2025 season.
Decision Making: Elias insists personal job pressure will not impact his final trade decisions.
Deadline Target: The front office will finalize plans leading up to the August 3 deadline.

While Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias has declined to publicly diagnose specific positions of need, trade market dynamics and team requirements highlight several prime targets for Baltimore ahead of the August 3 deadline.

Starting Pitching (The Primary Need)
The Orioles are heavily expected to target controllable starting pitching to bolster their rotation for 2026 and beyond:

Tarik Skubal (LHP, Tigers): The Detroit ace is the most coveted arm on the trade market. If the Tigers opt to sell, his elite frontline stuff would immediately upgrade the top of Baltimore's rotation.

José Soriano (RHP, Angels): Under team control through 2028, Soriano is a highly attractive target for teams seeking long-term starting depth, provided the Angels decide to sell.

Reid Detmers (RHP, Angels): Another cheap, highly controllable arm under team control for two more years who could serve as a solid mid-rotation piece.

Andrew Painter (RHP, Phillies): If the Orioles consider moving an established asset like Cedric Mullins, rumors suggest they could target top-tier young arms like Painter, who has recovered from Tommy John surgery.

Outfield & Right-Handed Bats
With an aging outfield and Taylor Ward entering free agency after this season, the Orioles could look for youthful upgrades:

Kevin Alcantara (OF, Cubs): Currently blocked in the Chicago Cubs' system despite strong Triple-A numbers (.275/.370/.585), Alcantara is a prime target for a swap that could satisfy both teams' organizational needs.

Isaac Paredes (INF, Astros): If Houston dangles the versatile 27-year-old infielder to restock their farm system, his bat and team control through 2027 would perfectly fit Elias's long-term horizon.

The Baltimore Orioles (39-45) sit exactly 2.5 games out of the final American League Wild Card spot, kept firmly in the race by unprecedented league-wide parity where every AL team remains within 5.5 games of a postseason seed.

https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-mike-elias-discusses-2026-trade-deadline-strategy

ARTICLE POSTED ON JUNE 27, 2026