Orioles may have new ownership's approval for big deadline swing

The Baltimore Orioles are tied for the second-best mark in MLB but need reinforcements to make a World Series charge. Luckily, general manager Mike Elias has seemingly been given the go-ahead from new ownership to go big-game hunting at the trade deadline.

The Orioles' sale, which was agreed upon in January and is nearing finalization, won't impact the team's approach ahead of the deadline. In fact, according to insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, one of the new owners, David Rubenstein, is willing to " entertain anything " Elias recommends.

That's good news for the Orioles, who have needs to address and the assets to do some serious damage on the trade market.

Ahead of the 2024 campaign, MLB.com ranked Baltimore's farm system No. 1 in the league and for good reason. Currently, three of the top 15 prospects in baseball are Orioles, including infielders Coby Mayo (No. 15), catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo (No. 12) and the top pick in the 2022 draft, shortstop/second baseman Jackson Holliday (No. 1).

That's not to say the Orioles will shop those players. But, it may be a consideration if the team wants to go all-in.

Baltimore could use another top-of-the-rotation arm, especially with Corbin Burnes scheduled to hit free agency at season's end. While the move is unlikely, they have the ammo to give the Detroit Tigers an attractive package for Tarik Skubal.

They could also go hard after a bullpen arm and perhaps a right-handed bat. With ownership's blessing, the Orioles could consider Miami Marlins left-hander Tanner Scott or Oakland A's slugger Brent Rooker, to name two.

It's unclear what the Orioles' plan of attack will be or if they'll be willing to part with potential stars-in-the-making for a shot at a title. Regardless, ownership seems unlikely to be a barrier that the front office will have to navigate.