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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves Orioles should make

By Joshua Sadlock

BOSTON, MA - MAY 3: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 3: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JULY 09: Chance Sisco #12 of the Baltimore Orioles and the U.S. Team slides into third on an RBI triple in the second inning against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JULY 09: Chance Sisco #12 of the Baltimore Orioles and the U.S. Team slides into third on an RBI triple in the second inning against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

5. Do not trade a top prospect (under any circumstances)

Dan Duquette has not sat on his hands at the trade deadline at any point in the past five seasons. Even as the ship sinks this season, the Orioles GM has stated his intentions publicly to buy at the deadline. Hopefully he has changed his tune as the blowout losses continue to pile up.

The Orioles have one of the worst farm systems in baseball for several reasons, namely their refusal to play on the international amateur market. Trading away current MLB starters Zach Davies and Ariel Miranda for Gerardo Parra and Wade Miley hurts. Losing Josh Hader for Bud Norris — ouch. Jake Arrieta for Scott Feldman. Ha.

There is no reason for the Orioles to think any mid-tier pitcher they are able to trade for this year will fix all of their problems. The farm system has begun coming around, with Chance Sisco and Tanner Scott playing in the Futures Game, Austin Hays with 20 homer across two levels and Ryan Mountcastle leading the minors in doubles. If the Orioles refuse to sell, at least stand pat.

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