Would Orioles trade Henderson, Holliday or Cowser? | MAILBAG

Question: What is the likelihood that the Orioles trade Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday or Colton Cowser this offseason, and if they did, what would the likely return be? From: Greg Fuchs

Answer: Greg, I’m not sure what the Orioles are going to do this month, but I’m guessing that their additions are going to have to come from trades.

The free-agent market looks underwhelming, and if they’re going to trade, they’ll need to give up something of value.

I don’t think they’ll trade Gunnar Henderson because they’d be selling low, and if he can bounce back next year, that could help make them a contender.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they moved Jackson Holliday because he has potential, and maybe he could help bring them outfield or starting pitching help.

I wouldn’t think Cowser has as much value as Holliday, but maybe they want to hang on to him because he’s been excellent defensively, and if they surround him with the right outfielders, it might improve the team.

The Orioles need major league ready starting pitchers and outfielders. They could also use backup catching help, and that should be their goal in any trade. 

Question: Can you comment on the “rules of engagement” for teams that extend a quailifying offer to their own free agents?  For the O’s, that is Trevor Rogers, one-year, $23.15 million. Is it take it or leave it? Can the O’s make an offer? Are there parameters for an offer structure, e.g., does a contract have to be fully guaranteed? From: Phil Cooke

Answer: Phil, the qualifying offer for $23.15 million is take it or leave it. They can also attempt to negotiate a long-term contract, as can any other team between now and November 17^th. There are no parameters in negotiations for a long-term contract in addition to a qualifying offer. It doesn’t have to be guaranteed, but no free agent will accept one that isn’t.

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.