The Baltimore Orioles will enter the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline in the thick of the final American League Wild Card spot.
While the team has played inconsistent baseball for much of the season, one of its biggest strengths entering the year has quickly become one of its biggest weaknesses.
The O’s bullpen entered the season without former All-Star closer Félix Bautista and attempted to offset his absence by acquiring another former All-Star in Ryan Helsley.
Needless to say, the results have fallen well short of expectations. Helsley has made just 17 appearances and has spent two stints on the injured list.
The bullpen as a whole has struggled to protect leads and serve as the final line of defense in high-leverage situations. While it is far from the only reason the Orioles sit below .500, it has undoubtedly been one of the biggest factors.
With the Trade Deadline set for Monday at 6 p.m. EST, let’s take a look at five pitchers who could strengthen the Orioles’ pitching staff and improve its chances of making a postseason run.
Antonio Senzatela – RHP, Colorado Rockies
Antonio Senzatela may not be the biggest name available, but he could prove to be one of the better bargains on the trade market.
Since transitioning from the Rockies’ starting rotation to the bullpen, the veteran right-hander has increased his fastball velocity to 97 mph while developing a cutter that has quickly become one of his most effective pitches.
He owns a 3.66 ERA, but his numbers away from Coors Field are even more impressive. Opponents are slashing just .238/.313/.337 against him on the road, suggesting that pitching outside of baseball’s most hitter-friendly ballpark could allow him to take another step forward.
His underlying metrics are equally encouraging, posting a 103 Stuff+ and 108 Location+. Those numbers suggest there is still untapped potential that another pitching development staff could unlock.
Senzatela is under contract through this season with a $14 million club option for 2027, making him more than just a rental option for the Birds.
Brooks Raley – LHP, New York Mets
If the Mets fully commit to selling, Brooks Raley could quickly become one of the better veteran relievers available.
The 38-year-old would provide Baltimore with a much-needed left-handed option down the stretch, especially after losing Keegan Akin for the remainder of the season due to Tommy John Surgery.
Raley has posted a 2.01 ERA across 44 appearances this year and has pitched in most high-leverage situations for New York. He has only given up nine earned runs in 44 games pitched and has struck out 40 and walked 15 batters this season.
His affordable remaining salary and postseason experience make him an ideal fit for an Orioles team looking to strengthen the back-end of its bullpen, especially from the left-hand side.
Adrián Morejón – LHP, San Diego Padres
Adrián Morejón has primarily served as a setup man in San Diego over the past three seasons, but he possesses the arsenal to handle ninth-inning duties if needed.
The biggest obstacle would be the acquisition cost. Reports indicate that the Padres are seeking multiple high-value prospects in return, a price that reflects Morejón’s performance and upside.
He finished each of the previous two seasons with an ERA below 2.85 and owns a 3.14 ERA this season. His fastball has averaged 99.2 mph, an increase from previous years, while his underlying numbers remain outstanding.
The 27-year-old’s ground-ball rate has jumped from roughly 50% in previous seasons to 61.3% this year. He has also posted a 27% strikeout rate and just a 6.3% walk rate.
The Cuban left-hander would be a short-term rental, but Baltimore could also explore a contract extension if both sides saw a long-term fit.
Luke Weaver – RHP, New York Mets
Another Mets reliever who could make an immediate impact is Luke Weaver.
Weaver has quietly been one of baseball’s most effective relievers this season, posting a 1.88 ERA across 43 innings.
His fastball averages 95 mph, but he complements it with a 44% ground-ball rate while striking out 27% of opposing hitters and walking only 7%.
Perhaps even more appealing is the fact that Weaver remains under team control through 2027 at a reasonable $11 million salary. The Birds would be acquiring more than just a rental without having to part with its very best prospects.
He would immediately provide back-end stability to a bullpen in desperate need of another experienced, high-leverage arm.
Michael Wacha – RHP, Kansas City Royals
For the past several years, we at The Baltimore Battery have advocated for Michael Wacha as a fit for the Orioles, and the veteran right-hander continues to show why.
The biggest question is whether the Royals are willing to move him. However, every player has a price at the deadline, and Wacha is almost certain to draw interest from multiple contenders.
Over 21 starts this season, Wacha has received just 3.1 runs of support per game while pitching for a Royals team that has fallen well below .500 and out of serious postseason contention.
Wacha, who is making $18 million this season, is owed $14 million in 2027 and has a $14 million club option for 2028. He has posted a 1.89 ERA over his last three starts and has recorded 15 quality starts across 138.1 innings this season.
He would slot comfortably into the middle of Baltimore’s rotation. While the asking price could include a pair of top-20 prospects, the combination of production, durability and leadership would make the investment worthwhile.
If the Orioles can add one or two quality arms, it would represent a significant step toward improving one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline arrives Monday at 6 p.m. EST, and we will be tracking every move as it happens here at The Baltimore Battery. Buckle up, Birdland.
What are your thoughts on these possible trade targets? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Stephen’s content? Follow him on X – @SRJHeckman, and listen to the official podcast of The Baltimore Battery, The Final Strike, anywhere you get your podcasts!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment