Orioles latest team to look to straddle line between buying and selling

The Baltimore Orioles have been better in July but still have a tough road ahead if they are going to reach the postseason.

The Orioles have gone 14-8 in July entering Thursday, pulling to within three games of .500 and are 2.5 games out of the final Wild Card berth. However, the Orioles would need to pass four teams in the standings to secure a playoff spot.

Although the Orioles have played better during July, they are still in a difficult spot. As such, Andy Kotska of The Baltimore Banner reported that the Orioles are looking to be buyers and sellers ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Baltimore Orioles looking for best of both worlds ahead of trade deadline

Kotska further speculated that the Orioles would be more likely to move impending free agents such as pitcher Trevor Rogers and outfielder Taylor Ward. That speculation is notable given trade rumors surrounding catcher Adley Rutschman, as Kotska characterized such talks as the Orioles doing their due diligence rather than shopping their catcher.

Either Rogers or Ward could make a difference for a team looking to bolster its roster for the stretch run. Rogers has been unable to replicate his stellar showing in 2025 but would be a solid option in the middle of the rotation. He has posted a 4.27 ERA and a 1.277 WHiP over his 109.2 innings entering Thursday, striking out 89 batters with 32 walks. Ward, meanwhile, has posted a .248/.383/.350 batting line in his 496 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and 20 doubles while drawing an AL-leading 84 walks.

Rogers and Ward may not be the only players on the move. Reliever Andrew Kittridge is also an impending free agent and fellow relievers Tyler Wells and Yennier Cano could generate a great deal of interest on the trade front.

Meanwhile, the Orioles could look to fill that spot in the bullpen by trading for a reliever with more years of team control. They could also look to add another catcher while Rutschman and Samuel Basallo are on the Injured List and a longer term option in center.