Orioles could part ways with young star in unpopular trade scenario

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to build off of a year that saw them win 91 games and secure the top American League Wild Card spot.

Their season came to an end at the hands of the Kansas City Royals in the first round. Now, their focus shifts to 2025.

They have a ton of young bats in their system, but also need to clear a little space for top prospect Coby Mayo. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report proposed several unpopular trade ideas, one of which included the Orioles trading away Jordan Westburg.

"The expression 'good problem to have' comes to mind, but it's nonetheless fair to raise the point that the Orioles have far more young hitters than they're going to have at-bats for," Rymer wrote.

"Should they seek to subtract from this surplus, Westburg is a sensible selection on multiple fronts. For starters, the 25-year-old's value is up after an All-Star season. There's also how his right-handed swing suffers a power penalty at Oriole Part at Camden Yards, where the left field wall is miles away from home plate."

Rymer proposed the idea of Westburg being traded for pitching to clear a spot for Mayo at third base. In all likelihood, Westburg could bring back quite the haul.

This may be unlikely, as Westburg is seen as a key piece for the future. Perhaps Baltimore could be more inclined to trade Ryan Mountcastle.

Still, Westburg would generate a massive return and could get them the pitching they need without having to worry about re-signing Corbin Burnes.

It will be interesting to see if Baltimore considers this.

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