The Baltimore Orioles continue to struggle as they enter the second half of the MLB season, remaining well below a .500 winning percentage with the trade deadline just over a week away. This situation is making it increasingly apparent that Baltimore may need to take on a seller’s role, trading assets to prepare for future success rather than chasing immediate gains.

After showing some signs of promise previously, the Orioles have been held back largely due to injuries and underperformance, especially within their starting rotation. Without key contributors able to maintain consistency, the team has struggled to gain momentum, underscoring the challenges they face heading into the critical roster decision period.

Injuries and Absences Weigh Heavily on Baltimore’s Performance

One major setback for the Orioles has been the absence of their projected ace, Grayson Rodriguez, who has yet to throw a pitch this season. This has placed a greater burden on the rest of the rotation, which has been derailed by injuries and ineffective outings. The slow start set by these circumstances has created a difficult environment for the team to regain competitive footing this year.

Despite the adversity, Baltimore still holds several valuable expiring contracts that could generate interest among playoff contenders at this year’s trade deadline. These players represent possible trade chips that management can leverage as they look to rebuild.

Zach Eflin Emerges as a Key Trade Asset Following Strong Recent Performance

Among the Orioles’ tradable assets, starting pitcher Zach Eflin stands out. Acquired last year in a deadline deal, Eflin was instrumental in Baltimore’s push to the postseason after joining the team. His veteran presence and effectiveness were key factors in the team’s success during the second half of 2023.

This season, however, has been more of a rollercoaster for Eflin. He has faced two separate stints on the injured list and overall has struggled to reach the same level of performance seen previously. That said, his latest appearance against the Cleveland Guardians, following a return from injury, offered a promising glimpse of his potential value.

In that recent outing, Eflin delivered five solid innings, yielding just two runs on two hits while striking out five batters. Although the Orioles lost the game, this performance served as a strong audition for interested suitors looking to bolster their rotations for the postseason.

Next Start Could Further Boost Eflin’s Market Value at Deadline

With his contract set to expire at the end of the year, the Orioles are likely to explore trade opportunities involving Eflin to maximize the return before he becomes a free agent. He is scheduled for one more start before the trade deadline, which could further enhance his trade value if he performs well.

Balancing short-term losses and long-term strategy, Baltimore’s front office will be looking for solid returns from Eflin, possibly in the form of promising prospects that can contribute to the team’s rebuilding efforts. This approach aligns with the franchise’s goal of regaining a winning trajectory by the 2026 season.

Implications for Baltimore’s Future and Trade Deadline Outlook

While this season’s disappointments are significant, the Orioles’ focus remains on future growth. Leveraging the remaining valuable players, primarily those with expiring contracts like Zach Eflin, could provide essential pieces to accelerate the team’s rebuild and improve their competitiveness down the line.

As the trade deadline approaches, how the Orioles manage these assets will be crucial in shaping the team‘s trajectory. A successful deadline for Baltimore could help set the stage for a stronger roster while managing expectations during this challenging season.

For ongoing updates on the Baltimore Orioles and their 2024 trade deadline moves, fans and analysts will be watching closely as the next few weeks unfold.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is Zach Eflin’s religion?

A. Brittany, his oldest sister, works as a nurse. While growing up, Eflin relied a lot on his Christian beliefs. His grandfather on his father’s side has been a pastor for six decades. Eflin went to Paul J.