What happened: Reports indicate the Baltimore Orioles are planning a surprise approach to the upcoming MLB trade deadline, with the front office signaling intent to add rather than sell. The posture has drawn attention given where Baltimore sits in the standings.

Why it matters: At 39-46, the Orioles are below .500 and would be buying against the grain, making the stance a notable departure from a typical seller's profile. How aggressively Baltimore acts will shape its roster for the stretch run and could influence the broader market as other clubs gauge their own deadline plans.

What to watch: Watch whether Baltimore's front office backs the buying talk with concrete moves as the deadline nears, and how the club performs in the current homestand against Chicago.