Which teams stand in Orioles’ way of a playoff spot? | MAILBAG

Question: While the Orioles’ recent winning streak is nice, I noticed that the Red Sox have an even better streak after their horrid start. Are they the major threat to the Orioles making the playoffs? Who else do you see as the team that could  most likely beat out Baltimore for the final wild-card spot? From: Timothy Fowler 

Answer: Tim, I think the Red Sox’s 13-game winning streak is impressive, and they should be a contender for the wild-card spot, but there are two other teams I would be very wary of.

The Seattle Mariners’ pitching and the potential of the Detroit Tigers could make them two very difficult opponents.

The Orioles are finished playing the Mariners, but their pitching is frightening, and if Detroit decides not to sell at the deadline and they keep Tarik Skubal, they could be a real threat. 

Question: Are there any draft picks that are a risk for going unsigned? From: Brian Kragh 

Answer: Brian, I’m not a draft expert, but let’s look at last year for clues.

In 2025, they had 24 picks, and three didn’t sign: junior college Daniel Lopez, who was taken in the 12^th round; high school outfielder Cole Johnson, their 18^th-round pick; and junior college shortstop Jimmy Anderson, who they picked 19^th.

Anderson was drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round this year, so I would guess he’s a good bet to sign.

This year, their last three picks were all high school players: pitcher Gunnar Garrison (18^th), outfielder Victor Salazar (19^th) and pitcher Ross Davis (20^th), so I’d guess if they don’t sign a player or two, it could come from this group.

This is just a guess on my part, and as recently as 2024, the Orioles signed each of the 21 players they drafted.

Picks must be signed by July 27^th at 5 p.m., so we’ll see quickly how many the Orioles are able to sign.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.