Is it time for Orioles to aggressively prepare for 2026? | MAILBAG

Question: Isn’t now the time to start aggressively preparing for next year?  We don’t care if they win another game this year, just get ready for next year! From: Joe Meglen

Answer: Joe, as unlikely as a postseason spot appears, I don’t think the Orioles will begin aggressively preparing for next year until after the July 31^st trade deadline.

They’re already playing Coby Mayo regularly, and I think that it’s possible you’ll see Samuel Basallo and possibly Dylan Beavers in the final two months of the season.

As for trades, it’s usually better to wait until closer to the trade deadline before dealing because there’s likely to be a larger market for players then.

Question: Do we know what’s actually wrong with Grayson Rodriguez? I am concerned he’s going to rehab most of the year and eventually need surgery. From: Jeff Poling

Answer: Jeff, if you read the interview with Mike Elias on Monday, you’ll see he’s confident that Rodriguez will pitch in August. He has already rehabbed most of the season, and he’s had shoulder, elbow and most recently a lat injury.

Hopefully, the Orioles will get to see Rodriguez in the last two months of the season.

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.