The Orioles head into the All-Star break in first place in the American League East. However, moves must be made for them to remain there. Coming off an Incredible 2023 season, the Orioles had big expectations. They have certainly met them, posting a 58-38 record in the first half of the 2024 season. That puts them tied for the second-most wins in all of the MLB. But recently, the Orioles have struggled. In their last ten games before the break, the Orioles went 3-7. Something is not working, and changes need to be made. The Orioles must make a trade, a callup, and send someone to the bench more often.
Keys For The Orioles To Have A Successful Second Half
Orioles Need To Trade For A Starting Pitcher
The Orioles pitchers have been hit with the injury bug. Kyle Bradish, John Means, Tyler Wells, and Felix Bautista are all out for the season, and the Orioles have struggled to replace them internally. They need to look outside the organization, for starters. Guys like Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal have been continuously considered possible options. Lower-level starters, like Jack Flaherty, are also available for the Orioles to grab. Also, the Orioles have the assets to go and get a top pitcher. They have 3 top 15 prospects, according to the MLB pipeline. The Orioles making a trade for a starter will significantly raise their chances of their first World Series birth since 1983.
Coby Mayo Needs To Be Called Up
As previously mentioned, the Orioles have a surplus of minor-league talent. Coby Mayo is right near the top of that list, ranked as the number 15 prospect in baseball by MLB.com.
Another day, another Coby Mayo NUKE!
This one goes 438 feet as our 8th-ranked prospect clobbered his 22nd blast. pic.twitter.com/dO97mNue29
— The Call Up | An MLB Prospect Podcast (@The_CallUpPod) July 11, 2024
Mayo has put up elite numbers in Triple-A Norfolk so far this season. He has hit a .301 Batting Average and has slugged 19 home runs. Mayo is ready for the next step up. However, there is currently not a spot for Mayo on the big league roster. But there should be. Ramon Urias has had a below-average season and provides almost zero upside compared to a future star in Mayo. Also, Jorge Mateo, while his speed may be valuable come playoff time, has provided very little offensively during the last month. Recently, Orioles General Manager Mike Elias said Coby Mayo would be a contributor during the second half of the season for the Orioles. Elias needs to keep his word because if Mayo gets a chance, he will shine.
James McCann Needs To Play Less
Although known as a lefty killer, James McCann has been anything but that this year. McCann has a measly .573 OPS against left-handers and just a .590 OPS overall. It is a mystery why he has played in 41 games so far this year and caught in all but 1 game. Adley Rutschman, the Orioles All-Star catcher, has caught just over half of the Orioles games. Frankly, that is not enough for someone who is the face of the franchise. McCann needs to see the field no more than twice a week because his bat provides nothing, and his defense is below average. Overall, McCann finds himself in the lineup way more than he should and doesn’t give the Orioles any spark.
The Last Word
Overall, the Orioles need to make changes if they want a chance at a ring. But the changes are doable and realistic. Elite teams generally are willing to make moves to improve their roster. The Orioles are already an elite team with the tools and pieces to take their roster to the next level.
Main Photo Credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
