The Baltimore Orioles are heading toward the 2026 MLB trade deadline with a plan that few expected. Even though Baltimore entered the final days of June with a 39-46 record and sat below .500, the club is not preparing to sell. Instead, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias says the team intends to add players and push for a playoff spot. His comments came as rival teams continued monitoring several Orioles players who had been viewed as possible trade candidates. Rather than breaking up the roster, Baltimore appears ready to look for upgrades and make a late-season run.Elias made the club’s position clear during the weekend. Speaking to MLB.com, he said:“We’re going for it. I’ll let you know if that changes.”That statement has changed the conversation around Baltimore’s deadline plans. For weeks, many around baseball expected the Orioles to listen to offers because of their record and place in the standings. Instead, the front office is preparing to approach the market as a buyer.
| Orioles 2026 snapshot | Stat |
| Record | 39-46 |
| June record | 11-14 |
| Last 10 games | 4-6 |
| Run differential | -26 |
| Team OPS | .718 (15th in MLB) |
| Team batting average ranking | 21st |
| Quality starts | 28 (15th) |
| Bullpen ERA | 4.35 (19th) |
Mike Elias shuts down trade speculation around Adley Rutschman, Taylor Ward and other Orioles names
Baltimore’s stance comes as several players on the roster have been mentioned in trade discussions and rumors. Rival executives have reportedly been keeping an eye on the Orioles ahead of the deadline, especially because the team has struggled for much of the season.Among the names connected to speculation were catcher Adley Rutschman, outfielder Taylor Ward, and pitchers Chris Bassitt and Trevor Rogers. Those discussions naturally gained attention because teams looking to contend often explore proven talent from clubs outside the playoff picture.However, Elias’ comments suggest Baltimore is not interested in moving key pieces right now. Instead of trading away talent, the organization appears focused on finding help that can improve the roster for the second half of the season.The decision is notable because Baltimore has not shown consistent momentum. The Orioles finished June with an 11-14 record and entered the week after losing back-to-back series. While the team has remained competitive at times, the results have not matched expectations.
Baltimore Orioles likely to target lineup, rotation and bullpen help at MLB trade deadline
If the Orioles remain buyers, there are several areas they could address before the deadline.The offense has been inconsistent all season. Baltimore ranks 21st in batting average and sits in the middle of the league with a .718 OPS. Adding another productive bat could help a lineup that has struggled to score consistently.Pitching could also be a priority. The rotation has produced 28 quality starts, ranking 15th, while the bullpen owns a 4.35 ERA, placing 19th. Those numbers suggest the Orioles may explore both starting and relief pitching options.Possible areas Baltimore could target include:
- A middle-of-the-order hitter
- A reliable starting pitcher
- Late-inning bullpen help
- Additional depth for the stretch run
The challenge for Baltimore is the competitive market. Several contenders are expected to chase the same types of players, which could drive up prices. Even so, Elias appears committed to giving this group a chance rather than beginning a sell-off.With a little over a month before the deadline, the Orioles have made their position clear. Despite their record and the rumors surrounding several players, Baltimore is preparing to look for additions and continue pushing for a postseason spot.
