In a flurry of activity leading up to Tuesday's trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles have made significant moves aimed at strengthening their roster. Orioles' executive vice president and general manager, Mike Elias, executed a total of six trades over the past week, acquiring a collection of major league players to address roster holes and bolster the team's overall performance.

Elias expressed confidence in the fortified roster, stating that the Orioles now have an excellent team with a competitive shot at success. However, there are several key takeaways from Elias' comments that shed light on the team's future plans and the impact on certain players.

Firstly, the role of outfielder Heston Kjerstad on the Orioles' roster in 2024 appears uncertain. Despite a promising start after his promotion in June, Kjerstad has seen limited playing time recently, starting in just five of the team's ten games since his return from a concussion. Elias has brought in three right-handed hitters, namely Eloy Jiménez, Austin Slater, and Cristian Pache, who could potentially affect Kjerstad's playing time. With concerns over Kjerstad's defense and ability to hit left-handed pitching, it is possible he may find himself in a platoon role once again.

On the other hand, infield prospect Coby Mayo's path to playing time initially seemed to be hindered by recent moves. The Orioles promoted Jackson Holliday to play second base, shifting Jordan Westburg to third, and didn't trade Ryan Mountcastle, the right-handed hitting first baseman. Additionally, Eloy Jiménez was brought in as the designated hitter against left-handed pitching. However, a recent unfortunate injury to Westburg has opened a window of opportunity for Mayo. Elias indicated that Mayo was "in the mix" for a promotion before the injury, and with a vacant spot at third base, Mayo's chance to shine has become clearer.

A notable aspect of the Orioles' trade deadline activity is the willingness of team ownership, led by David Rubenstein, to expand payroll and support Elias in making bold moves. This marks a departure from the previous regime, as the Orioles took on substantial salaries, including Zach Eflin's $18 million contract for 2025 and Eloy Jiménez's $4.2 million salary for this year, along with his two club options. This demonstrate a significant shift in approach, potentially signaling a new chapter for the Orioles.

With the trade deadline behind them, the Orioles now have a revamped roster and newfound depth. It remains to be seen how the pieces will fit together and which players will ultimately secure their places on the team. Elias' ambitious moves have certainly sparked intrigue and anticipation among fans, as they hope this will propel the Orioles towards success in the second half of the season and potentially into the playoffs.

As the season progresses, the Orioles will continue to navigate the unpredictable landscape of player opportunities. Whether it's Kjerstad's role, Mayo's potential promotion, or the impact of new additions, it is clear that the Orioles are actively shaping their roster to compete at a higher level. Orioles fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as these changes unfold and eagerly await the team's performance in the second half of the season.