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An in-depth analysis of the Baltimore Orioles organization reveals a glaring weakness in centerfield, with no straightforward fix available. The free-agent market offers limited options, and a looming lockout adds urgency for the Orioles to address their pitching staff with substantial financial commitments.
Despite consistently drafting college outfielders early, general manager Mike Elias has failed to develop a reliable everyday centerfielder. Even during a lost 2026 season, Elias favored journeymen like Christian Franklin and Leody Taveras over former fifth-overall pick Colton Cowser, and he never gave top prospects Enrique Bradfield Jr. or Jud Fabian a single major-league appearance. That silence spoke volumes about the organization's confidence in its internal options.
The lack of a true centerfielder is a critical issue, and the team's defensive core at shortstop, second base, and catcher also requires attention to achieve fundamental soundness. Spending $25 million annually on Trent Grisham, the only viable free-agent centerfielder, seems unappealing given his erratic hitting and likely overvaluation due to his Yankees pedigree.
Elias prefers trades and short-term commitments, and after consulting trusted industry sources and evaluating depth charts, a trade match emerges: Minnesota Twins All-Star Byron Buxton. Buxton, who has veto power as a 10-and-5 player, has blocked deals before, but the Orioles must at least attempt to acquire him. Doing so would require creativity, perhaps adding $5 million per year to his salary and presenting an aggressive offseason plan that includes acquiring pitchers like Shane McClanahan or signing Freddy Peralta. However, Elias's perceived lack of charisma and leadership could hinder such a pitch.
Why Buxton?
The Orioles have no one else capable of manning centerfield adequately. Cowser struggles against lefties and offspeed pitches, is prone to prolonged slumps, and lacks the leadership qualities expected of a centerfielder. His athleticism and arm strength are assets, but his decision-making and accuracy are questionable, making him unsuitable as a building block.
"I don't know that they got any answers about anything other than every outfielder that the Orioles have right now should not be a starting outfielder next year," Orioles Hall of Fame shortstop and analyst Mike Bordick said on The Daily Flock Show. "Every guy. There have to be some major adjustments and evaluations." Moving Jackson Holliday to centerfield is now seen as folly, and the Orioles' broken player-development system cannot handle such a transition. Significant action is required.
Free-Agent Class Stinks
Grisham is the only true centerfielder available, but his inconsistent bat and the Yankees' need for him will drive up his price. The lack of alternatives works in his favor. Luis Robert is perpetually injured, and the Orioles already wasted $5 million on his waiver claim; he can no longer play centerfield effectively anyway.
Buxton Is Special
Injuries are a concern, but Buxton consistently delivers an OPS above .830, slugged 25 home runs in just 93 games last season, and remains a dynamic defensive presence and respected leader. He requires occasional DH days and rest, but at two years and $30 million remaining on his contract at age 33, he checks numerous boxes. His OPS+ since 2019: 115, 125, 171, 133, 97, 137, 138, 125. Sold.
Buxton's 10-and-5 rights override the limited no-trade clause in his deal for 2027 and 2028. He has reportedly rejected at least three agreed-upon trades in the past. While he has expressed a desire to remain a Twin forever, he has also emphasized winning, and his name has surfaced in trade rumors for years. The Twins' ownership is known for saving money, so another extension is unlikely. Buxton may view the Twins as better positioned to win than the Orioles, so any pitch must include a convincing blueprint for immediate contention.
The Orioles Are a Trade Match
The Orioles and Twins could match up on a trade. Neither Gunnar Henderson nor Buxton will sign extensions with their current teams, and both have two years remaining. Henderson is younger and more durable, but he is gone by the trade deadline anyway. The Orioles could receive prospects in return for Henderson due to his youth and affordability. One longtime MLB executive suggested a straight swap: Buxton for Henderson. "It's not crazy," the exec said. "Buy low on Gunnar with Buxton aging."
Alternatively, the Orioles could build a package around Jackson Holliday. The Twins previously extracted value from a light-hitting second baseman with defensive questions in Luis Arraez before trading him. Holliday hasn't proven he can hit .250 or post a .320 on-base percentage, but he is a recent No. 1 overall pick with strong bloodlines, young, cheap, and controllable. He could develop into a .350 on-base hitter with 30-double power in a competent organization. A change of scenery might benefit Holliday, especially with Blaze Alexander and Jordan Westburg returning to a crowded infield and Coby Mayo showing he belongs in the majors. The Orioles could include Colton Cowser to help replace Buxton's defense in a platoon role and acquire additional pieces.
Veteran catcher Victor Caratini is an expert framer and excellent blocker, though his throwing is subpar. He could fill a need for the Orioles behind the plate. The more one examines these rosters and farm systems, the clearer the match becomes. Elias has completed two significant trades with the Twins before: dealing Dean Kremer at the deadline and acquiring a package for Jorge Lopez early in the rebuild. This history makes a Buxton trade all the more plausible.