Red Sox Rival GM Makes Intentions Clear Before Trade Deadline

As the Boston Red Sox fight for positioning in a stacked American League East, one division opponent appears to be waving the white flag.

Expected to vie for their third straight playoff appearance, the Orioles instead began Sunday last in the AL East at 43-54. They trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 13.5 games and are 8.5 games behind Boston for the AL’s final wild-card spot.

The hot stove has thus monitored Baltimore as a potential seller before the July 31 trade deadline. Orioles general manager Mike Elias appeared to confirm that path during a candid interview on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.

“The reality is, when we’re at that point in the standings and 11 days from the trade deadline, we got to be realistic about our situation,” Elias said on Sunday. “The conversations that I’m having right now are more oriented towards being what’s out there for some of our major league players.”

However, contenders shouldn’t waste their time calling about Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday. Elias is looking to reset for next year rather than initiate another long-term rebuild.

“We’re not blowing up the team, and we think we’re going to be very good again in 2026 and have that intention,” Elias said. “We’re not interested in changing the foundation of the team, but to the degree that we have players that interest other clubs that are coming toward the end of their contract, we got to listen to that.”

Baltimore’s approach creates an opportunity for contenders, potentially the Red Sox, to acquire quality veterans.

Starting pitchers Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton are all pending free agents who can offer rotation depth down the stretch. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal linked the 41-year-old Morton to Boston during the All-Star break.

The Red Sox are reportedly “very interested” in Ryan O’Hearn, who entered Sunday batting .282/.379/.450. Although he made his first All-Star Game as the AL’s starting designated hitter, the 31-year-old could give Boston a big-time bat at first base.

Center fielder Cedric Mullins and relief pitchers Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto are other likely trade candidates on expiring contracts. Ramon Laureano has a club option for 2026, but the Orioles could move the right fielder amid a bounce-back campaign.