Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.
Question: It’s beginning to feel as though the players the O’s gave up in trades, especially Austin Hays, and lost to injuries (too many to list) have affected team chemistry and confidence. And the new additions haven’t yet helped get it back. What do you think? From: Lee Barrett
Answer: Lee, I think the loss of Hays, who’s currently on the 10-day injured list with Philadelphia due to a strained hamstring, wasn’t huge. He’s a terrific guy and true professional, but the losses to injury of Kyle Bradish, Danny Coulombe and Jordan Westburg had much more impact.
I think the Orioles did a good job in acquiring Eloy Jiménez and Austin Slater as well as Seranthony Dominguez for the bullpen and Zach Eflin in the rotation. Hopefully, Trevor Rogers will be a help, too.
The teams at the top of their divisions in the majors all seem to be having trouble winning consistently in the second half of the season, but I think the Orioles did well in addressing the loss of chemistry at the trade deadline.
Question: Any updates on John Means? Obviously, a hard-luck story there for a really good guy. What do you think the market will be like for him when he hits free agency? Would there be interest on both sides for him to remain an Oriole? From: Stuart Nabors in Richmond, Virginia
Answer: Stuart, John Means was last in the Orioles’ clubhouse in Arlington, Texas just after the All-Star break, and he’s progressing from his Tommy John surgery.
Since he most likely won’t be available to pitch until the second half of 2025, I can’t imagine there’ll be a market from other teams until he’s ready to pitch.
The Orioles could always sign him ahead of time, and perhaps he’d be interested. Having an extra starter available in the final months of next season would be terrific, but I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves.