Trade Deadline Preview: Baltimore Orioles

Jun 18, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Who should they trade?

1. Delmon Young: The former top prospect has played below replacement level in terms of fWAR since 2010. This year, Young has posted a dismal -0.1 fWAR in 88 plate appearances. He has recorded splits of .286/.318/.369 with one home run and seven runs batted in, along with a 89 wRC+, meaning he has produced 11% fewer runs than the league average. These numbers have not stopped teams from giving him a chance. Ken Rosenthal thinks the Orioles will go out and shop him as a low-cost alternative for the teams that missed out on Kendrys Morales, who signed with the Minnesota Twins. He doesn’t have much value, but he may have enough appeal to bring in an ex-closer or an average catcher, which the O’s would jump at the chance quickly.

2. Kevin Gausman: In any deal that the O’s would want to acquire a veteran pitcher, they would have to trade Gausman, most likely. Even though it is hard to see them dealing him, he is very appealing to teams that are rebuilding. The best arms in the minors are all in low levels, which makes them less appealing to teams that want to compete in 2015. They might even have to package him in a deal with a starting pitcher like Norris or Chen.

3. Hunter Harvey: Harvey is viewed as one of the top young arms in the Baltimore organization. Currently in Single-A Delmarva, he has posted a 4-4 record with a 2.98 ERA in thirteen starts, while holding hitters to a .200 average and only three home runs. The 19-year-old from Catawba, NC has a “plus” pitch, his fastball, that is sitting between 93-95 mph and is developing an exceptional changeup. He is ahead of schedule in his development and many teams view him as a starter in the majors in a few years.