Overview
- Mike Elias told reporters Saturday that the Orioles are planning to be buyers at the Aug. 3 trade deadline and that the front office is making preparations now in case the standings favor moves.
- Baltimore sits below .500 but remains within reach of a wild-card spot, a standing that Elias framed as the immediate objective before any deadline activity.
- The team’s inconsistent first half, marked by short winning bursts, underperformance from some players and injury issues, is the main reason Elias said he will evaluate standings and health before committing to trades.
- Offseason additions such as Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward and Shane Baz and a new manager in Craig Albernaz raise expectations for a second-half push and shape the type of players Elias says the club would target.
- If the Orioles buy, it could tighten an already crowded American League market and affect which teams sell; Elias also tied the club’s outlook to player health and said a healthy roster would improve their playoff chances.