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MLB rumors: Insider drops ‘shrug emoji’ on Tigers, Orioles’ trade deadline outlooks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away. A flurry of activity over the next 13 days is widely expected, as a slew of teams stand in a gray area. Many clubs stand on the precipice of postseason contention. Two of those teams include the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles, both of which are within five games of a playoff spot. Many in baseball, including FanSided’s Robert Murray, are unclear on what each team will do ahead of the deadline. Murray discussed the Tigers’ chances of dealing ace Tarik Skubal in an article published Tuesday.
“Everyone in baseball is watching this one,” opined Murray on Tuesday afternoon. “If the Tigers decide to sell, the top contenders are going to fight for the chance to acquire Tarik Skubal. He could be the difference in dethroning the Dodgers, or he could be the key to a threepeat for Los Angeles. If Detroit continues winning, though, they could elect to hold Skubal and give it one last push before he becomes a free agent. At 47-53, what the Tigers do is anyone’s guess.”
The Tigers’ 2025 collapse, yet subsequent AL Division Series run, showcased just how strong Detroit is at full strength. However, injuries and underperformance have left the Tigers outside of a playoff spot as of right now. After going 12-4 over the last 16 games, Detroit is once again in the postseason hunt. If the Tigers trade Skubal, would the return be worth it in the long run? Or will the team’s brass, led by president of baseball operations Scott Harris, regret letting the back-to-back AL Cy Young award winner go?
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Orioles, Tigers on uneven ground as MLB trade deadline approaches
While the Tigers’ trade deadline hinges on what they will do with Skubal, the Orioles have more flexibility. Baltimore GM Mike Elias has a number of players whom he could deal ahead of August 3rd. Murray broke down some of these options, including outfielder Taylor Ward and catcher Adley Rutschman.
“At 49-52, the Orioles are in wait-and-see mode,” Murray wrote. “If they sell, teams will try for slugging outfielder Taylor Ward. Adley Rutschman will be a popular ask for teams needing catching, though there is skepticism from rival executives that he will be traded. If Baltimore adds, bullpen help and potentially an infielder would make sense in the wake of Blaze Alexander’s fractured left hand.”
Three games out of the final AL Wild Card spot as of Tuesday, the Orioles could go in a number of directions. Elias’ roster has the depth to replace both Ward and Rutschman in the lineup, especially if they want to give young players like Samuel Basallo even more opportunity. Teams will certainly line up to bring both veteran bats into their lineups ahead of a postseason push. Will Ward and Rutschman remain in Baltimore? Or will both have a new home in less than two weeks?
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