Orioles $12M trade pickup 'likely to be dealt' if one thing happens

The Baltimore Orioles are one of the more intriguing teams as the 2026 MLB trade deadline draws near. While their 39-45 record would normally have them firmly as sellers, the weak AL Wild Card hunt has left them in range of a postseason spot.

Just 2.5 games back in the AL Wild Card, it would not be a total shocker if the Orioles climbed back into the postseason. But what if they struggle in July ahead of the trade deadline?

As MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan wrote this week, the Orioles are "likely" to wind up selling some players, including their $12 million outfielder and big offseason trade acquisition, Taylor Ward.

Orioles might trade $12M outfielder half a year after adding him 

"A pending free agent like Rogers, Ward is likely to be dealt unless the Orioles start building some positive momentum," Harrigan writes. "That hasn't happened yet..."

The Orioles trading Ward is very much in play, according to Harrigan. It makes perfect sense as to why as well.

Even though he was a big pickup for the Orioles this past offseason, Ward is only under control for the rest of the 2026 season. Trading him now instead of losing him in free agency for nothing makes a lot more sense.

The 32-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder might be one of the more coveted players at this year's deadline. In 83 games and an AL-leading 383 plate appearances, Ward has 81 hits, 53 runs scored, 18 doubles, but only five homers and 22 RBIs.

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He's drawing a lot more walks, striking out a lot less, and is making more contact. But he's sacrificed his power, which has been an interesting change for Ward.

But, regardless of whether he's a power hitter or an on-base hitter, Ward is a righty-hitting outfielder who might be on the move this summer.

He's the kind of player that teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and others would surely love to trade for. Those clubs might have that chance.

Ward is a great trade chip and is "likely" to be traded this summer if the Orioles can't stay in the postseason hunt as July progresses.

More MLB news:

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• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames
• Red Sox looking likely to trade Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray, Jarren Duran, and Willson Contreras