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One of the biggest surprises during the first month-plus of the MLB season has been the Baltimore Orioles, and not in a good way. At 13-22, Baltimore has the second-worst record in the American League and fourth-worst in all of baseball.
Because of this, it is likely that with continued struggles, Baltimore will become a seller at this season's trade deadline. If so, here are three players the Orioles should put on the trade block prior to the deadline.
Zach Eflin, SP
Eflin was traded from to the Orioles from the Tampa Bay Rays prior to last season's trade deadline and he could find himself on the move again this season.
He is currently on the injured list but is expected to return this weekend in Baltimore's series against the Los Angeles Angels. The next two months for Eflin may turn him into a surefire trade candidate.
Eflin is in the final season of a three-year, $60 million contract, making him a prime candidate to be moved if Baltimore falls out of contention and feels it could get a nice return from a team who feels it desperately needs to add a starting pitcher.
The Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Royals and Cubs are all teams that should have interest in Eflin, should he become available.
Cedric Mullins, CF
Mullins has been mentioned among Orioles trade candidates for a while. Much like Eflin, his next two months of the season will determine exactly how much he is coveted when the time comes.
After a scorching hot start to the season, Mullins is in the middle of a 2-for-29 slump. There is still plenty of time to improve that, and he will certainly need to get those numbers up to make himself a trade target.
If it is made known that Mullins is available, the Tigers, Royals, Phillies and Reds should jump on the phone and try to get a deal worked out.
Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/DH
It was hard to decide between O'Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle, but with O'Hearn hitting a solid .304 with seven home runs this season, he became the clear choice.
Much like the other two players on the list, O'Hearn would be a rental if he's moved, as he is set to be a free agent after the season ends.
His average is first one the team and his seven home runs tie him with Mullins for the team lead. If he is made available, there are several teams who could use another left-handed bat in their lineup. The Red Sox, Giants, Reds and Rangers should all be interested in acquiring him.
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About the writer
Andrew Wright is a Newsweek contributor based in Lancaster, South Carolina. His focus is MLB content. Andrew has been with ... Read more