Orioles GM Mike Elias Evaluates Trade Options as Deadline Approaches

As the trade deadline inches closer, Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias finds himself in a precarious position regarding Adley Rutschman, the cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuild. Selected first overall in the 2019 draft, Rutschman’s journey has seen him evolve into a three-time All-Star. However, with the Orioles struggling to find consistency this season, Elias is keeping his options open.

Currently on the injured list due to left wrist inflammation, Rutschman is expected to begin a rehab assignment early next week. Despite his importance to the team, Elias acknowledged that the Orioles, who sit at 53-56 and are 2.5 games out of a wild card spot, must remain adaptable as they approach the August 3 deadline. “We love him. You feel it when he’s gone from the team,” Elias said, emphasizing Rutschman’s impact. “Absolutely love Adley and having him as long as we can.”

However, Elias tempered his affection with a dose of realism. “I think we put ourselves in a position where we’ve got to be pretty open-minded here as we go into these (trade) talks,” he noted. “But Adley is one of the best things we have going for us.”

The Orioles’ struggles have been evident since mid-2024, when they faltered in the second half despite winning 90 games and being swept in the wild card series. A disappointing 75-87 season in 2025 prompted a significant offseason overhaul, including a $155 million investment in slugger Pete Alonso. Yet, the 2026 season has seen the team grappling with defensive issues, further complicating their playoff aspirations.

With nine teams within 5.5 games of the three wild card spots, the landscape is murky as the trade deadline approaches. Elias described the current situation as “this strange limbo zone,” with the Orioles needing to assess their standing on a game-by-game basis. The likelihood of teams committing to either buying or selling remains uncertain.

If the Orioles decide to part with talent, left-hander Trevor Rogers, boasting a 1.99 ERA and a 45-12 strikeout-walk ratio over his last eight starts, stands out as a prime trade candidate. While Elias refrained from commenting on potential extension talks for Rogers, he acknowledged the importance of evaluating the situation closely. Other players, including outfielder/DH Taylor Ward and relievers, as well as outfielder Colton Cowser, could also be on the move if the team chooses to sell.

“We are watching game by game,” Elias stated. “This has turned out to be kind of a razor-wire situation going into this deadline, two and a half out, three games below .500. I think both of those are really disappointing, particularly what we hope to be.”

With the playoffs still within reach, Elias remains hopeful. “We still have a shot, a good shot in the American League. I mean, we are going to be watching the results of tonight’s game, tomorrow’s game, but it’s pretty important at this point that we have an idea of what we’re doing. We do have a shot. We do care about making the playoffs in 2026.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.