As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles find themselves heading in opposite directions within the American League.
The Astros, currently leading the AL West, are poised to be buyers at the deadline as they aim to capture their third World Series title since 2017. Meanwhile, the Orioles—who entered the season with postseason aspirations—have faltered due to pitching woes and overall inconsistency, making them likely sellers.
Among the players Baltimore could move is veteran starting pitcher Zach Eflin.
Eflin Linked to Astros in Trade Speculation
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Eflin—who is rehabbing a back injury on a Double-A assignment after being placed on the 15-day injured list—could return shortly after the All-Star break and may be on the trade block.
“Zach Eflin is expected to rejoin the Orioles’ rotation after the All-Star break, at which point he could become a key trade chip,” Nightengale reported. He also noted that Baltimore is expected to shop Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano unless the team suddenly heats up.
Despite posting a 5.95 ERA over 12 starts and averaging just 6.1 strikeouts per nine innings, Eflin’s previous success with the Phillies and Rays makes him a potential asset for Houston, which is in need of rotation depth.
“Even though Eflin’s numbers are down this year, his experience could bring stability to Houston’s pitching staff—and he wouldn’t cost much,” wrote Sports Illustrated‘s Mark Morales-Smith. “The Astros could hold onto their top 15 prospects and still add a dependable veteran for the postseason push.”
Prospects Headed to Baltimore in Proposed Deal
Morales-Smith’s hypothetical trade sees Baltimore receiving two of Houston’s top 30 prospects: right-handed pitcher James Hicks and outfielder Zach Cole.
“With the Orioles in full fire-sale mode, there’s little reason to retain aging players on expiring contracts,” Morales-Smith explained. “Eflin could be one of the first to go, and in return, Baltimore gets a pair of young players to develop.”
Hicks, ranked No. 16 in Houston’s system by MLB Pipeline, is on the 60-day IL at Double-A Corpus Christi after recording a 7.41 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 17 innings. Earlier this season, he posted a stellar 0.50 ERA in 18 innings at Single-A Fayetteville.
Cole, 24, is slashing .232/.329/.495 with 13 homers and 13 stolen bases in 54 games at Double-A Corpus Christi. While neither prospect is projected to be a game-changer, both have shown enough potential to warrant development time in Baltimore’s farm system.