May 31, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (32) looks on during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Question: Do you think Cedric Mullins and/or Ryan O’Hearn will be back next season as free agents. Although, I think Ramón Laureano is signed for next season, is there any chance they would trade for him? From: Stell “Coach” Dorsey
Answer: Coach, I got the same question from Frank Bonsiero. I don’t think Mullins or O’Hearn will be back with the Orioles for 2026, and I think Laureano played well enough for San Diego to ensure that the Padres will pick up his $6.5 million option for 2026.
Mullins performed poorly for the Mets after the trade deadline, and while I don’t think there will be much of a market for his services, I’m thinking the Orioles will sign one or two outfielders who’d play every day or most days.
The Orioles have Coby Mayo, who hits right-handed, and Samuel Basallo, who hits left-handed, to play first base, and while I think O’Hearn would be terrific to have, I’m not sure there’s a fit any longer.
Question: Who do you think impressed the Orioles of all the minor league players they got in trades this past year? From: Rick Encina
Answer: Rick, I’ll focus on the players the Orioles received in the trade deadline deals. I think there are several who are most intriguing.
Boston Bateman, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound left-handed pitcher was obtained from San Diego in the deal for O’Hearn and Laureano, and at 20, is considered a good prospect. He pitched at Single-A Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen this season.
Another pitcher who was obtained in that trade, Tyson Neighbors, was 2-0 with an 0.59 ERA at Double-A Chesapeake. Neighbors is a right-hander who’ll turn 23 on Thursday.
They’re also high on Wellington Aracena, who was 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA in five starts for Aberdeen. Aracena was obtained from the New York Mets in the deal for Gregory Soto.
Another intriguing player is right-hander Juaron Watts-Brown, who was 1-3 with a 3.82 ERA in seven starts at Chesapeake. He was received from Toronto for Seranthony Domínguez.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@Baltimore7Baseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.
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