Orioles Continue Busy Deadline, Add Franklin, Hinds and Heuer in Three More Deals
The Baltimore Orioles were not finished making moves before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline expired. After reshaping the organization with several blockbuster trades earlier in the day, Baltimore added three more players by acquiring outfielder Christian Franklin from the Washington Nationals, outfielder Rece Hinds from the Miami Marlins, and veteran right-handed pitcher Codi Heuer in separate transactions.
The trio of additions gives the Orioles more upper-level organizational depth while adding players with varying levels of major league experience and upside.
Orioles Acquire Christian Franklin from Nationals
Baltimore acquired Christian Franklin from the Washington Nationals in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Joe Glassey.
Franklin, 26, has spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A Rochester, where he emerged as one of the Nationals’ more productive outfielders. In 94 games, he hit .275 with a .380 on-base percentage and a .458 slugging percentage, while collecting 15 home runs, 20 doubles, 57 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. His combination of plate discipline, speed and defensive versatility allowed him to earn a place on Washington’s 40-man roster.
Originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Arkansas, Franklin has experience at all three outfield positions and has developed into a solid all-around player capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.
Baltimore parted with Joe Glassey, who had developed into one of the organization’s better relief prospects after posting impressive strikeout numbers in the Orioles’ minor league system this season.
Orioles Take a Chance on Power Bat Rece Hinds
The Orioles also acquired Rece Hinds from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations.
Hinds remains one of the game’s most intriguing power hitters. The 25-year-old has appeared in both Triple-A and the major leagues this season. At Triple-A, he was batting .248 with 22 home runs, 18 doubles, 63 RBIs and an OPS over .800, continuing to display elite raw power despite a high strikeout rate. He also has major league experience after debuting with Cincinnati in 2024.
A former second-round draft pick by the Reds in 2019, Hinds possesses some of the best raw power in professional baseball along with one of the strongest throwing arms among outfielders. If Baltimore’s hitting development staff can help him improve his contact rate, he has the tools to become a productive power bat.
Orioles Add Experienced Arm in Codi Heuer
Baltimore also acquired veteran right-hander Codi Heuer from the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations.
The 30-year-old has pitched in parts of five major league seasons with the White Sox, Cubs, Rangers and Tigers before joining the Brewers organization. This season, Heuer has spent most of his time at Triple-A, posting a 3.18 ERA over 39.2 innings with 48 strikeouts, while making a handful of appearances in the majors.
Heuer burst onto the scene with the White Sox in 2020 before injuries, including Tommy John surgery, interrupted his career. Now healthy, he gives Baltimore another experienced bullpen option with major league success on his résumé.
Three Different Types of Additions
Each acquisition fills a different organizational need.
Franklin is an athletic, near-major-league-ready outfielder who gets on base, steals bases and plays quality defense.
Hinds brings arguably the highest offensive ceiling thanks to his tremendous home-run power.
Heuer provides experienced pitching depth as the Orioles continue rebuilding their bullpen after dealing away several veteran arms at the deadline.
MSB Take
These are the kinds of moves rebuilding organizations often make after larger deadline deals. Rather than simply collecting low-level prospects, Baltimore targeted players who could contribute sooner.
Christian Franklin may have the best chance to impact the Orioles in the near future because of his complete game and strong Triple-A production. Rece Hinds represents the high-upside gamble. If the Orioles can unlock more consistent contact, his power could make him a legitimate major league contributor. Codi Heuer gives Baltimore another experienced reliever to evaluate over the final two months of the season.
None of these trades will overshadow the earlier blockbuster moves, but together they continue the Orioles’ effort to restock the organization with controllable talent while maintaining flexibility for the future.
