Orioles Listening To Offers On All-Star Closer, According To MLB Insider
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The Baltimore Orioles have all but officially failed in their quest to make three straight postseason appearances since they did so in 1969-71. With the trade deadline approaching, the Orioles are listening to offers on their All-Star closer, Félix Bautista, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 29: Félix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 29: Félix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Photo byBautista was an All-Star in 2023 and missed all of last season due to injury, but has returned to the mound with a purpose. The closer has 18 saves for the Orioles and enters the second half with a 2.41 ERA.
Bautista is under team control until 2028 and has been the anchor of the Baltimore bullpen this season. If the Orioles are going to move him, they should receive a haul in return for the former American League Reliever of the Year.
With the Orioles having their eyes set on returning to contention next season while their young core is still intact, moving Bautista could be the smart play. Relievers are consistently the most volatile position group in Major League Baseball, and many competing teams will be looking for an arm to add at the July 31 deadline.
Rosenthal also wrote that the likelihood of trading Bautista is slim, as the Orioles have many players on expiring contracts that will be their focus as the trade season commences. While the Orioles are taking calls on the reliever, they are placing a higher priority on making a deal for All-Star Ryan O'Hearn before any moves, including multi-year controlled players.
If the Orioles move Bautista, the team receiving his services will be acquiring a bona fide lockdown closer for the stretch run.
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