The Baltimore Orioles were busy on MLB trade deadline day.
Former first round pick Adley Rustchman, outfielder Taylor Ward, and relief pitcher Tyler Wells were traded.
Another surprising footnote is that Jake Rogers, the catcher acquired on Friday from the Detroit Tigers, was included in the Rutschman Red Sox deal.
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Did Adley Rutschman want out?
Mike Elias did not gain any fans for the Rutschman trade. However, multiple sources including Ryan Ripken said that Rutschman rejected extension offers dating back to last November. If a deal was not going to be reached and a lockout occurs next year, the Orioles had to deal him.
That did not soften the blow.
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One diehard Oriole had a unique idea for fans who want to heal from the trade.
Taylor Ward is no longer on board
Fans appreciated his ability to get on base. He got walked often, a characteristic he takes with him to Seattle.
Tyler Wells to the Rays may be the biggest blow
Perhaps the most surprising trade of the day was relief pitcher Tyler Wells sent to the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays.
It is painful enough that Rutschman went to an AL East rival, but sending Wells who has performed well in the Orioles bullpen to the division leader does not make sense to fans.
The Rays are slowly becoming Baltimore south as former manager Brandon Hyde, who is a Rays senior consultant, keeps poaching from his former team.
Is the Tyler Wells trade the one the final straw for fans? The Orioles host the Los Angeles for a quick three game homestand beginning Tuesday, August 4 before heading on the road for nearly two weeks. How will fans respond to the new look Orioles on Tuesday night?
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