No, this is not a Baltimore Orioles seller article. We aren't going to be talking about the trade value of Cedric Mullins or Trey Mancini. Today, we are discussing the top trade targets for the Orioles ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

Baltimore currently sits in last place in the AL East. However, they are just one game under .500. It is clearly the best division in baseball. The Orioles would be in third place in the AL West and tied for second in the AL Central. This is a ball club with a realistic chance of earning a Wild Card berth. And as a result, they may opt to buy at the trade deadline.

It is difficult to imagine Baltimore trading their top prospects this season. This is a team still in a rebuild despite their current success. But they could look into the buyer's market if they continue playing a quality brand of baseball.

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3 top trade targets for Orioles ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline

Luis Castillo, Noah Syndergaard, Frankie Montas, Zac Gallen… any starting pitching upgrades

I am lumping starting pitching into a category of it's own. Sure, Baltimore has played well as of late. But their current pitching staff will not hold up during the stretch run. Their only proven starting pitcher, John Means, is injured. The rest of this pitching has surpassed expectations but one can only wonder how long that can last.

Acquiring popular trade chips such as Luis Castillo or Frankie Montas would help the Orioles in the long run. Zac Gallen is a long shot, but he would be a prime option for any team.

Noah Syndergaard is an interesting potential trade piece. The Angels are laboring and appear to be on the verge of selling. Although Los Angeles might not be trading Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani, Syndergaard could be on the move. He would come at a cheaper cost than other pitchers but would be a strong source of stability in the Orioles' rotation.

Baltimore needs to acquire at least two proven starting pitchers to compete in the AL Wild Card race this season. Adding three would be ideal. But two needs to be the benchmark.

Whit Merrifield

The Orioles have a surprisingly strong outfield core of Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, and Anthony Santander. Trey Mancini can also play outfield but profiles as a DH and first baseman.

Ryan Mountcastle and Adley Rutschman are valuable pieces to the puzzle as well. But the Orioles would benefit from middle infield upgrades. And Whit Merrifield makes sense for the O's.

After hitting .277 and leading the league in stolen bases, doubles, and games played a season ago, Merrifield has struggled in 2022. The versatile veteran is hitting just .240 with an OBP under .300. However, he has stolen 14 bases and smacked 18 doubles.  And the Orioles should make an effort to acquire him if they decide to go all in on the buying narrative.

Merrifield is a stable veteran who could become a clubhouse leader in Baltimore. At 33 years old, the Orioles wouldn't need to overpay for him either.

Bullpen help

Yes, this is vague. But there isn't just one arm who stands out on the relief market. Pitchers such as the Cubs' David Robertson or Pirates' David Bednar are viable candidates.

The Orioles bullpen isn't awful… but it needs work. Adding a couple of reliable options would be crucial should Baltimore make a postseason run.