"I'm not gonna lie, it's kinda tough... guys build relationships" - Orioles' Grayson Rodriguez on the emotional impact of trade deadline deals

One of the most exciting moments on the MLB calendar is the trade deadline. Fans, experts, and players themselves anxiously wait to see what teams will do and what moves will be made in anticipation of the postseason push. Even though the moves made before the trade deadline can alter the history of a franchise, they also have a huge impact on the players that the average fan may not consider.

In a recent interview on 'Foul Territory,' Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez dove into the emotional side of the trade deadline which may go unnoticed by casual fans. Rodriguez, whose team was one of the most active before the deadline, explained the human side of the deadline and how difficult it can be for those involved.

"I'm not gonna lie, it's kinda tough... Guys build relationships," Rodriguez said when asked about the Orioles trading away 7 different players. "A lot of these players you grow up playing with in the minor leagues, you come up through the system together, you get into the big leagues."

"They're your teammates and all of a sudden, boom, they're packing their locker up. It's just a weird experience," Rodriguez said before saying how his best friend DL Hall was dealt by the team in the offseason for ace Corbin Burnes.

The Baltimore Orioles were one of the most active teams at this year's trade deadline

Despite the Baltimore Orioles loading up at the deadline by landing the likes of Zach Eflin, Trevor Rogers, and Eloy Jimenez, the team had to move ten different players out of the organization to complete these moves. While Grayson Rodriguez will likely be happy if the deals help the team secure a World Series title, the fact that he had to say goodbye to teammates is never easy.

"Strength. Grit. Determination. Thank you for everything, Austin!" - @Orioles

One of the other players that Rodriguez mentioned was veteran outfielder Austin Hays. The 29-year-old was sent to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Seranthony Domínguez and Cristian Pache.

"He's got a great family, does a lot for charities, and he had done a lot for the City of Baltimore," Rodriguez said of Hays, stating that nearly everyone in the clubhouse was sad to see him go.