Should Orioles explore trading Félix Bautista? | MAILBAG

Question: Since the Orioles do not appear to have the starting pitching or bullpen necessary to get leads and hold them, would it make sense to trade Félix Bautista?

Instead of him withering away in the ‘pen awaiting the few save opportunities that come his way, why not trade him and his remaining two arbitration years and restock the farm or pursue better starting pitching? From: Ed Brause, Timonium, Maryland

Answer: Ed, it’s an interesting idea, and it wouldn’t shock me if the Orioles trade him, but the thinking may be that they need retooling, not rebuilding, and if they’re a contender next year, a lights-out closer like Bautista would be a need.

His value may be extremely high now, with two years of club control, so it may be in the Orioles’ interest to at least explore his value now even though it would leave them without a proven closer for the remainder of 2025 and for next season.

Question: In your recent article you seemed to imply that the Orioles have been so lousy because of the heat. Really? Isn’t it hot for the other team, also? Texas has been racing around and stealing bases and I think it must be hot for them also and every team has had injuries. So why doesn’t someone just say … we aren’t very good. That is the problem. Not the weather, not the temperature, not the injuries. From: Stephen Pozzuoli

Answer: Stephen, I’m sorry if you thought I was implying that the Orioles haven’t played well because of the heat. They did play 10 straight games in extremely hot weather in Tampa. New York and the most recent three in Baltimore.

Of course, it’s hot for both teams, but I think the Orioles did get worn down by playing 16 games in as many days, and by playing so many games in the heat.

I do think injuries have been a large factor in the Orioles’ performance this season, and they played well with Colton Cowser, Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg all in the lineup. They are obviously missing Rutschman.

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.