In approving a trade to the Atlanta Braves, Darren O’Day saw an opportunity to play for not only a contending team this season, but one that can potentially compete for a World Series title next season.
O’Day, who is out for the remainder of the season recovering from hamstring surgery, was traded to the Braves on Wednesday along with right-hander Kevin Gausman. O’Day is still under contract through 2019, so the move allowed the Orioles to save $9 million of committed payroll for next season as part of their rebuild.