Orioles urged to not make Adley Rutschman trade deadline 'mistake'

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If the Baltimore Orioles decide to go all in at this year's trade deadline, that may turn out to be a mistake.

Not that the roster doesn't have any talent. It's what the talent on the roster hasn't been able to accomplish.

The Orioles are 40-48 and own a -33 run differential.

FanSided's Mike Phillips wrote Thursday that even if the Orioles decide to make additions at the August 3 deadline, it may not be enough to push them to the top of the American League.

"A -33 run differential indicates this team's record is probably accurate, but there have been smoke signals that Baltimore wants to buy to try and make a playoff push in the weak AL," Phillips wrote. "There is some logic to that thinking, especially with Gunnar Henderson likely to walk when he reaches free agency after the 2028 season, but this is not the group to invest in."

One player the O's could look to trade is catcher Adley Rutschman. His name has appeared in trade rumors ever since the organization signed Samuel Basallo to an eight-year extension.

"The Orioles could benefit from listening to offers for Adley Rutschman, who could command a haul in a market desperate for catching, and use the returns from a potential deal to fortify multiple areas of the roster," Phillips added.

The New York Yankees desperately need a catcher, but would Baltimore consider trading Rutschman to a division rival?

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Only if the price is right, of course. Still, that may not convince them it's the right move.

The next few weeks will determine the Orioles' plan at the deadline. They'll need to play well above .500 for the front office to seriously consider a full-blown buying spree.