Baltimore Orioles seeing possible trade partners dwindle

The Baltimore Orioles have pieces that could be of interest to competing teams. However, recent transactions have removed a couple of possible trade partners from the equation.

In theory, the Baltimore Orioles should have an active offseason. While they may not be signing many top free agents, they have several players that could be attractive on the trade market. Two of those players, Trey Mancini and Mychal Givens, are expected to have a particularly robust market in the coming weeks.

However, the Orioles have already lost two potential trade partners. Given their moves this offseason, the White Sox and Braves, teams that were considered landing spots for Mancini and Givens respectively, are not likely to be interested in those players any longer.

For the White Sox, it was a matter of upgrading the roster and having continuity in the lineup. They did the former by adding Yasmani Grandal on a four year, $73 million contract. Meanwhile, they kept Jose Abreu on a three year deal, keeping one of their respected veteran leaders in the fold. Those moves would essentially push Mancini to the outfield, where he would be a less attractive trade target.

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Likewise, the Braves did not waste any time in addressing their bullpen. They retained their own free agents in Darren O’Day and Chris Martin, while signing former Giants closer Will Smith to a three year deal. In doing so, they also removed themselves from the chase for Givens, a reliever they had been interested in at the 2019 trade deadline.

Although that limits the market to a degree, the Orioles should still have plenty of suitors for both players. Mancini had his best year thus far in the majors, posting a 135 OPS+ while hitting 35 homers and 38 doubles. At 28 years old at the start of the 2020 season, and under team control through 2023, he would be a long term asset for any interested team.

Givens was solid last year, but was not the same pitcher he had been in the past. Serving as the Orioles primary closer, he posted a 4.57 ERA, although with a 1.190 WHiP. Over his 60 innings, he struck out 86 batters with 26 walks. Givens would also be a longer term asset, as he is under team control for another three years.

Obviously, given that extended period of team control, the Baltimore Orioles will not be lacking for suitors for either Trey Mancini or Mychal Givens. Nonetheless, losing two potential destinations does limit the Orioles options to a degree.