MLB Mailbag: Orioles, Peralta, Skubal, Braves, Brewers

Mosegas 14 hours ago

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MLB Mailbag: Orioles, Peralta, Skubal, Braves, Brewers

In this week’s MLB Mailbag, we’ll take questions about the Orioles’ deadline outlook, potential trade scenarios Freddy Peralta again Tarik Skubal, Ha-Seong Kim‘s struggles in Atlanta and whether the Brewers should make a big push to win now.

Let’s get started!

Eric asks…

Do you think the Orioles will stick with the 3B combo of Coby Mayo/Blaze Alexanderor will they look to upgrade if they are within striking distance of a wild card?

Phil asks…

Please name the top three players (or five. Go ahead!) that the Orioles should trade to think they’re in the wild-card spot by late July, and do the same with their top three pieces that they should trade if they’re not. Thank you!

Since these questions are not only related in that they are both about the Orioles but also the answers will overlap to some extent, I will answer them together.

First, I don’t envision a lot of clear-cut improvements at third base to be had this summer. Foxes are open to dealing with them Matt Chapmanbut the Orioles won’t be happy to pick up the remainder of his contract when he owes him $100MM from 2027-30 – his age 34 through 37 seasons. That’s no different for the Orioles. Few teams will consider that a good value. The Mets probably won’t mind coming out of the bottom Bo Bichette contract, but is hitting .250/.295/.372 in his first season at third base in Queens. He’s been hot lately, but no club is going to be interested in paying an underperforming player an annual salary of $42MM – especially with an exit contract.

There are several rental options available, but none of them play very well. Yoan Moncada he’s on the injured list again and hasn’t hit a healthy streak yet. Alec BohmThe bat is starting to come around, but his overall batting line is below average. An old friend Ramon Urias he hasn’t played well with the Cardinals and, like Moncada, is currently on the injured list.

I doubt the O’s would want to pay a premium for a manageable option. Jordan Westburg he will not play this season – the main reason for the club’s 2026 shortfall – but will be recovering from his end-of-season UCL repair by the time the 2027 campaign begins. He should regain his role at third base next year. The O’s could try a multi-position player who is comfortable at third base, but the options are limited, too. Low purchase options like Brett Baty again Nolan Gorman it will probably be available, but no one hits well and it can be a non-tender. If the Astros end up trading and listening Isaac Paredes again, that would be a reasonable fit, even if Camden Yards isn’t a good fit for his right-hand, hard-hitting style. Baltimore wouldn’t have a clear spot for Paredes on the 2027 roster but could hire him this year and explore an offseason trade.

The most unexpected and smart places for Baltimore to improve, in my opinion, would be the rotation and the bullpen. The Orioles will see three young veterans become free agents: Trevor Rogers, Chris Bassitt again Zach Eflin (out for the season). Names at the top of their 2027 rotation depth chart include Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz again Dean Kremer. Smaller and/or less proven options such as Trey Gibson, Kade Povich, Brandon Young again Tyler Wells he may enter the mix, but the O’s won’t want to leave the rotation to chance. They will need to add weapons anyway this winter, and getting some acquisitions at the deadline makes sense.

Adding a controlled starting pitcher beyond 2026 should be a priority. It will come with a higher cost, but one the O’s should be willing to pay. Paying for one-plus seasons of someone like him Joe Ryan where Baltimore seems to be leading the way as a possible Wild Card club feels like an easy one, though. I would like to get into players who have more seasons left than now. That will limit the number of options, but there are a few that come to mind.