Question: What is your honest assessment of the O’s defense both as a whole and at each individual position?  I have my “limited” opinion but want a more professional, unbiased one. Personally I am only impressed with Ryan Mountcastle, Jordan Westburg and Cedric Mullins. Every single one of the rest scare me except maybe Adley Rutschman, and I have him on the bubble. From: William Dukes, Naples, Florida

Answer: Will, I think you’re missing a fine defender in your list, and that’s Ramón Urías, whose defense and offense is often overlooked by fans.

I think Mountcastle, Mullins and Westburg, who are all on the injured list, are fine defenders, and there’s another good defender who is returning from the injured list, Colton Cowser. I also think Gunnar Henderson, though he’s made some mistakes this season, has improved. I also think Jackson Holliday will become a plus-defender at second base, but he’s still new there.

I think one of the reasons you are skeptical about the defense is because you’re watching players, especially in the outfield, who are only out there because there are multiple injuries.

If the Orioles get some of these players back in the next few weeks, I’ll bet you’ll feel more confident about the defense.  .

Question:  Given the fact that the Orioles might trade a player, i.e., Cedric Mullins, could the team “legally” negotiate a preliminary free-agent deal that would bring that player back in 2026?  I realize that might not be something a player would want to do, but I’m curious about the possibilities. From: Brent Warren, North Carolina

Answer: Brent, no, the Orioles couldn’t negotiate a free-agent contract with a player that they’ve traded, but nothing would stop them from negotiating with them once they hit free agency. They also might tell the player after he’s traded that they might have interest in free agency. A player isn’t going to want to limit his market by negotiating a contract in advance.

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