“I think it’s going to hopefully make the rest of the lineup better,” Elias said. “He [Ward] really fit us, and there weren’t a lot of big power right-handed guys on the market this year.”
The full group of players tendered contracts at Friday’s deadline: Mountcastle, left-hander Keegan Akin, right-hander Kyle Bradish, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, right-hander Yennier Cano, right-hander Dean Kremer, left-hander Trevor Rogers, catcher Adley Rutschman, outfielder Taylor Ward, right-hander Tyler Wells and right-hander Felix Bautista.
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The trickle-down effect of this trade is felt in the outfield and rotation heavily, and it could be a precursor for something much larger from president of baseball operations Mike Elias.
Although Elias received a promotion ahead of last season, he said it’s not likely for a general manager to be hired this winter due to “the calendar” being tight.
“First and foremost, they need an anchor in that rotation,” one National League scout said. “They have forever. This is literally the biggest ‘duh’ in all of baseball, in my opinion.”
Elias said the Orioles will target a front-line starting pitcher, a closer or late-inning reliever and an impact veteran who most likely can fit into the outfield picture.
Jason Bourgeois, 43, played parts of eight seasons in the majors. He served as the first base and outfield coach for the Chicago White Sox in 2024 and 2025.