Yankees will add two of these relief pitchers before the All-Star Game

One Bird Who Needs to Fly the Coup

The Orioles are in an interesting situation and are the one team I am not sure will be sellers. But their arc, like those of the Giants and Pirates, is quickly ending it’s semi-circular journey. The Birds have had a pretty good run over the last few years, even spending a few weeks in first place this year before fading.

And fading and fading and faaaaaading.

They are currently 38-39, fourth in the division and tied for tenth in the AL. Their record might make them want to stay, in, while their standing might make them want to sell. Based on how many big time players they have parted with in the last few years—Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis, etc.—my guess is they are already willing to listen.

And the Yankees need to be talking about Brad Brach. Brach has seemingly stepped into the closer’s role and found the part fits him nicely. His ERA is good: 2.62; his WHIP is great: 0.874. Brad has picked up 14 saves while giving up only 20 hits in 34 innings. He’s struck out 33, as well. If the Orioles trade him, they are giving up on the season.

A Price too High for Baltimore

But they might want to do that. First is that Brach is making $3,050,000 this year, which is a lot for a team that watches every penny, and he’s a free agent after 2018. The Orioles front office is probably recognizing this is the end of their recent run and might be ready for a fire sale.

That’s even more likely because the Orioles farm system is a barren wasteland. It is ranked 27th, and their only prospect in the Top 100 is Chance Sisco…and he’s ranked 87th. They seemed poised to walk through the valley of AL East death, and soon. The O’s need to restock the system and Brach is one of their best chips.

Also, unlike some of the other players mentioned, Brad is only signed for one more year. His trade value will never be higher. The question is how the Orioles see this season.

In towns such as Philadelphia, they have no such confusion.