Mailbag leftovers for breakfast

The trade deadline is 6 p.m. Thursday and I’m told that MASN is a seller only when it comes to me. Make them an offer.

A reporter-to-be-named later or cash considerations should get it done.

A straight-up for Chad Bradford is being discussed, according to an industry source with direct knowledge. He actually was at the ballpark over the weekend to sign autographs. At least, that's their story. I'm still suspicious. 

Players wonder how much the roster is going to change in the next few days. They try to block it out, but how is that possible? Relievers Bryan Baker and Gregory Soto already left and others are going to follow. They know it.

“Definitely a new experience for me, because the past two years, we’ve obviously won a lot more games,” said shortstop Gunnar Henderson. “Definitely a new experience. It’s a weird one, because obviously, don’t know who, when or if. It’s just kind of a crappy situation.

“Just got to go out there and continue to try to win ballgames. That’s all you can do in this situation. Hope nobody leaves, but the reality of it, somebody probably will.”

Many of the mailbag questions are deadline-oriented and didn’t make the previous entry, so let’s share some leftovers this morning. It’s also a nice reminder that there’s more going on than just trades, though nothing else seems to drum up as much interest.

Wait until August, when we shift our focus to returning players from the injured list and prospect promotions.

Also, my mailbag is off the table and your mailbag is polishing it.

Do you really see this team being able to contend in 2026? It just seems like there are too many holes to fill in the roster. They have also failed in development and coaching in that there are so many fundamental errors and guys we bring up do not seem to know how to play the game.
Well, aren’t you a ray of sunshine? Wait, you’re asking the questions here. Yes, I think the Orioles can contend, but this is gonna be an important offseason. They obviously can’t count on Grayson Rodriguez to be their No. 1 or 2 starter. He’s got to give them a healthy season. Zach Eflin is a pending free agent and might get traded this week. Check that, probably will get traded this week. Trevor Rogers is acting like an ace, but an established No. 1 would seem like a priority. Otherwise, the core players are back, and hopefully the underachievers step up in 2026. Elias also will need to address the position side. Samuel Basallo will be on the roster, which shifts the prospect watch somewhere else. But to predict contention also implies that injuries won’t destroy this team again. Let’s go out on that limb and hope we don’t take a Ben McDonald fall. Where's the harness?

How will Beavers and big Sam and Mayo coexist on the roster with Mounty?
Sam Horn is coming back?

How will Dylan Beavers and Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo …
You’re assuming, and I agree, that Beavers gets the call. He can start in the outfield, with possible openings if Cedric Mullins and Ramón Laureano are dealt. Basallo can catch and play first base. Mayo and Mountcastle can play first base and serve as designated hitter. They won’t be together in the lineup every day, but there’s room for regular at-bats. The Orioles won’t bury Mountcastle, but this is an opportunity to really evaluate Mayo. And we’re working under the assumption that Ryan O’Hearn is gone.

Are any Orioles "untouchable" going into the trade deadline? (Note: probably best to answer this before the trade deadline).
Hey, don’t tell me how to run my mailbag. The Orioles aren’t trading Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, Félix Bautista (healthy or not) or Samuel Basallo. They aren’t expected to deal anyone else who’s under team control beyond this season, but we’ll see.

Who’s next to go at the deadline? And don’t say “your mom.”
I’d never! Whichever player attracts the best offer. How’s that? I never would have picked Bryan Baker to go first, which proves how hard it is to predict. I wouldn’t have expected two relievers to be traded before Seranthony Domínguez, so I guess he’s my choice. There’s also Ryan O’Hearn for teams wanting a left-handed bat, but I wouldn’t be shocked if starters Charlie Morton and Zach Eflin are ahead of him. Any scouts watching Saturday night’s game probably talked up Cedric Mullins.

Does Tomoyuki Sugano get traded?
Probably. Maybe. I don’t know. There’s the money left on his $13 million contract to consider, unless the Orioles pitch in. There’s the really impressive start to his U.S. career and the really poor stretch that damaged his value. He’s been good in two of his last three outings. It really comes down to what teams are willing to offer. The Orioles still need five starters and want to avoid a total collapse despite being sellers. Getting back Cade Povich, Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells can help to offset the potential losses of Sugano, Morton and Eflin. So … probably. Or maybe. It’s going to be an interesting week.

What's the status with the Orioles and possibly hosting another All-Star Game? Has the new ownership and announced stadium upgrades changed that calculus at all?
Yes, most definitely. As for the “status,” here’s a shocker: Commissioner Rob Manfred told the media at the All-Star Game that the Orioles are “in that conversation.” He didn’t say “a viable candidate.” Way to veer off script. Robin Williams did less improvising. Either way, it ain’t worth a headline but you hang on his every word about the Orioles because he’s the commissioner. I do believe that we’ll see an All-Star Game in Baltimore before Jackson Holliday’s son is a finalist in voting. The 2028 venue is undecided.  

Who has bigger biceps, you or General Soreness? And do you relate to his oft-injured body?
In a major way.

Has “The Maverick” broken down again in the Baltimore tunnel? Traffic is backed up and people are yelling. … But seriously ... I know it is probably only important to me .... but when is Handley coming back?
This is … such an … awkward question. Maverick Handley escaped concussion protocol but he’s got a sprained right wrist. He won’t be back for a while.

Would we stand to get more value by avoiding trading Zach Eflin and instead keeping him through the end of his contract, offering him a qualifying offer and then getting a compensatory draft pick when he declines it?
As always, it depends on the offers that Mike Elias is fielding for Eflin. He’s a QO candidate, for sure. You can make a solid argument for it, and trust me, the beat crew has covered that topic. The only reason to keep Eflin is for the QO. But let’s see what prospects are available for him.  

Are you looking forward to the new press box? We live in section 45, and the Orioles say we may have to move.
Sorry, Lou. But yes, get out. (That came out harsher than intended.) Windows, air conditioning and heat, and in a space that isn’t way up the left field line. I’d say that’s a winner. We feared much worse. But seriously, you've gotta move. 

Signing a bunch of older players as free agents wasn’t a good move in hindsight. Do you think this will make Mike Elias more cautious with those type of players in the future?
Charlie Morton has turned around his season and become an attractive trade chip. But yeah, as he’ll be the first to point out, his early struggles certainly hurt. Tomoyuki Sugano impressed, didn’t, and is impressing again. But we don’t need to do a complete review here. The Orioles aren’t going to shy away from other veterans based on 2025. This is known as "fallback options." However, if Jamie Moyer makes a comeback, I’m sure they’ll pass.

How many more times will management talk about the Tigers last season after more trades occur?
The over-under is set at one. I think we’re done with it, now that playoff talk is quieted. You’ll notice that game stories seem to be missing updates on the Wild Card chase and how many teams are ahead of the Orioles for the last spot. But I may bring it back if I’m feeling nostalgic … or if they sweep the Blue Jays.

Would you ever want to be Mr. Splash?
It depends. Has anyone seen Mrs. Splash? And this is a good place to stop.