Should Orioles trade for an outfielder, too? | MAILBAG

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.

Question:  Everyone knows that the Orioles need more pitching. It’s no secret, especially after the injuries to Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells. I expect them to try to add a reliever or two as well. Have you heard anything about then possibly looking to upgrade the outfield? I know Cedric Mullins got hot for a few weeks and Austin Hays has been better of late, but they definitely would benefit from a centerfielder who brings more offense. Colton Cowser could be that guy in the long term but in the short term I feel they need more offense at the bottom of the lineup. Your thoughts?  From: Marty Ernest Sparrows Point, Maryland

Answer: I agree with you, Marty, but I think the priorities will be a starter and a reliever or two. I think if there’s an upgrade to the outfield, it would be a veteran, an Aaron Hicks-type addition similar to last year’s. They’re going to have to dig into the farm system to trade for starters and relievers, and if they’re going to add an outfielder, it would be at a lower cost.

Question: I am curious about the status of Albert Suárez’s contract with the Orioles. He has previously played in the major leagues before playing in Japan and South Korea.

He has performed relatively consistently as both a starter and a reliever this year. Did he sign a multi-year contract with the Orioles, or is he a free agent at the end of this year? Also, does he have any minor-league options available? From: Terry O’Keefe

Answer: Terry, Suárez did not sign a multi-year contract, but they can retain him after this season. He hasn’t earned free-agent status and he does not have any options remaining.