Calling the Pen: Breaking up is hard to do, but the Orioles have no choice

I was at a wedding in Stevensville, about 46 miles from Camden Yards, when diehard Orioles fan Denise Jaeger said I had disappointed her with my Calling the Pen piece.

“You said they should be sellers,” she said about my thoughts on the July 31st trade deadline. “I don’t want to see these players go.”

Our conversation occurred before the Orioles completed a 6-0 loss to the Miami Marlins, followed by an 11-1 loss to the Marlins that was embarrassing for another reason. Outfielder Kyle Stowers, who was drafted by the Orioles in the second round in 2019 and then never given a chance to become an everyday player, hit three home runs, and was 5-for-5, including a franchise record 14 total bases.

For the second time this season, he was named Player of the Week in the National League and will represent the Marlins on Tuesday night in the All-Star Game.

Stowers and infielder Connor Norby were traded last July to Miami for starting pitcher Trevor Rogers, who got off to a horrible start with his new team but has been outstanding since returning from a knee injury this season, posting a 1.53 ERA.

It might turn out to be a trade in which both teams benefit, but Stowers’ breakout season had me wondering about the Orioles’ judgment, especially as they drafted their 2025 class. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias has been praised for his eye for position players, but the new foundation hasn’t been solid.

His first draft choice, catcher Adley Rutschman, has struggled since last year’s All-Star Game, igniting questions about the core. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who had 28 home runs at the All-Star break last year, has only 11 this season but appears poised to have a strong second half. Infielder Jordan Westburg makes a difference when he’s in the lineup but has missed a lot of time because of injuries. Second baseman Jackson Holliday has had a strong first half but has made some baserunning blunders lately that have been costly. Outfielder Colton Cowser continues to play excellent defense and show exceptional power, but he lacks consistency.

They make up the core the Orioles hope will take the next step in their development, raising the performance of the team. But underperformance, and injuries, have led to a 43-52 record at the All-Star break, trailing Seattle by 7 1/2 games and behind six other teams in the wild-card standings.

It’s why the Orioles will need to break up this group at the trade deadline. Their free-agent list is substantial. It starts with their lone All-Star, designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, who is having a career year and has been their best hitter. Another is their best all-around player so far, outfielder Ramón Laureano, who has made up for the failings of Tyler O’Neill. Laureano’s club option for next year is $6.5 million, which would be a bargain. Another outfielder, who’s close to the hearts of fans, centerfielder Cedric Mullins, could help a contender.

Starting pitchers Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano could be attractive, as could relief pitchers Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto and Andrew Kittredge.

At this point, Stowers appears to be one the Orioles underestimated, and they’re hoping they haven’t overestimated  their primary core, especially Rutschman. It’s a team that many thought was still on the rise but instead is in transition.

They just drafted a new class, and it’s almost certain they’ll be a different looking team in the second half, especially after the trade deadline. It will be interesting to see who stays and who shows up when it counts.