There’s not much competition on a roster nearly devoid of established talent in its prime, but Jonathan Villar is the Orioles best player, and it’s not particularly close. He is one of the handful of guys on this team that could find a regular spot on many other major league clubs. That said, he’s not a star and, at 27 years old, is unlikely to become one. The O’s could hold onto him, but it makes a lot more sense to heavily explore his trade market this winter.
Villar came to the Orioles on trade deadline day as part of the deal —along with Luis Ortiz and Jean Carmona— that sent Jonathan Schoop to the Brewers.