The Baltimore Orioles were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Wild Card Series. They could look to make moves to improve before Opening Day.
While listing every team’s biggest trade chip, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer urged the Orioles to trade away veteran right-hander Ryan Mountcastle.
“It’s conceivable that Baltimore’s ears will be open on both again this winter. Arbitration is starting to make them a little pricey, with Mullins projected for $8.7 million and Mountcastle for $6.6 million. Meanwhile, the O’s have a surplus of bats and a shortage of arms,” wrote Rymer.
The Orioles drafted Mountcastle in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He has hit 91 career home runs with the club. However, he may not be best suited to play in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
“What makes Mountcastle seem especially expendable is how poorly his right-handed swing fits at Oriole Park at Camden Yards,” wrote Rymer. “Teams with more welcoming home parks could see that and covet the 27-year-old as a relatively affordable power source.”
The Orioles were open to listen to offers for Mountcastle last summer, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Considering they were a contender at the time it was an odd development. Mountcastle will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. He is projected to earn a five-year, $74 million deal on the open market, according to Spotrac.
In his five seasons with the Orioles Mountcastle has played in 563 games. He is a reliable player at first base and has a .766 career OPS. The Orioles would be losing a key player, but he is not high up on their list of priorities. The team will likely focus on acquiring pitching this winter.
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