Should Orioles trade or extend Ryan O’Hearn? | MAILBAG

Question: Lots of speculation that Ryan O’Hearn will be traded before the trade deadline. Any chance the O’s extend his contract a few more years? From: Caryn Green

Answer: Caryn, I think O’Hearn is a big part of the Orioles, and he’d be very attractive on the trade market. The Orioles it to themselves to see what they could get for him, assuming the team doesn’t drastically improve its standing in the next few weeks.

I wouldn’t object to a short-term extension of perhaps two years, but I would be surprised if the Orioles extended him. I think if they’re going to explore extensions, they’d concentrate on younger players.

Question: When it happened, I wondered why the O’s let Danny Coulombe go? Thought maybe the O’s knew something about his health and didn’t want to invest in him. Yet when I check on how he’s doing, he seems to be having a great season so far with the Twins. Did the O’s miss the boat by not signing him? From: Don Fazio

Answer: Don, I was a huge fan of Danny Coulombe, personally and professionally, and you’re correct, he’s having an outstanding season in Minnesota.

I was surprised that the Orioles didn’t pick up his option, and thought he would have helped their bullpen, and assumed that the reason they didn’t bring him back was because they were afraid of physical issues.

So, yes, I think the Orioles missed out by not re-signing him.

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.