The Baltimore Orioles may be sitting near the bottom of the standings, but they shouldn’t be overlooked — they could play a pivotal role at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
With a 35-47 record that leaves them 11.5 games behind the AL East-leading Yankees, Baltimore might not seem like a major player. However, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, several league executives believe the Orioles possess more tradeable talent than any other potential seller. If they choose to part with those assets, it could have a major impact across the league.
Why Executives Are Watching Baltimore Closely
The Orioles entered 2025 widely expected to be a playoff contender, but their season has fallen short due to injuries, inconsistent play, and one of the toughest schedules in the league. As a result, GM Mike Elias now faces a difficult decision.
Despite the struggles, Elias isn’t rushing into a move. “We’re not locked into a direction yet,” he told reporters, noting that the front office is preparing for both buying and selling options. “We want to keep giving this team a shot… but a decision will have to be made sometime in July.”
Other teams are keeping a close eye on Baltimore. As one NL executive told Mark Feinsand, “It’s not even close — the Orioles’ expiring-contract players offer more talent than any of the other likely sellers.”
The Names That Could Headline the Deadline
Baltimore boasts a deep and varied pool of potential trade assets. Offensively, outfielders Cedric Mullins and Ramón Laureano could be impactful pickups for teams seeking speed and defensive upgrades. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn—labeled by Bleacher Report as 2025’s biggest surprise—is hitting well enough to attract considerable attention.
On the pitching side, the Orioles have several intriguing veteran options. Zach Eflin ($18 million), Tomoyuki Sugano ($13 million), and Charlie Morton ($15 million) headline a rotation-ready trio that could strengthen any contender’s staff. Catcher Gary Sánchez and others also present appealing short-term value.
What further enhances Baltimore’s position is its financial flexibility. GM Mike Elias confirmed that ownership is open to taking on salary in trades to secure better returns—a rare approach that could make the Orioles an ideal trade partner for teams aiming to contend without overspending.
Playing the Waiting Game
Fangraphs currently gives the Orioles just a 3.7% chance of making the playoffs, and their challenging upcoming slate — which includes matchups with the Rays, Rangers, Guardians, and Blue Jays — leaves little margin for error. If they don’t string together some series wins in early July, selling at the deadline becomes the most probable scenario.
Still, GM Mike Elias hasn’t ruled out alternative approaches. Last year, clubs like the Pirates and Cubs opted against full-scale sell-offs, instead acquiring controllable players. The Orioles could take a similar route, especially with the financial flexibility to either retain salary or take on a contract in a buyer’s deal.
Several names have surfaced in league discussions — including Sandy Alcantara, Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds, and Jarren Duran — all of whom are under control beyond 2025. With both the farm system strength and payroll capacity, Baltimore is well-positioned to pursue such opportunities, whether aiming to contend now or retool for 2026.
A Glimpse Into the Future
It’s not just about the trade deadline. GM Mike Elias has expressed support for interim manager Tony Mansolino, who’s guided the team to a 20-18 record since taking over for Brandon Hyde. Elias also hinted that top catching prospect Samuel Basallo could make his MLB debut later this season, even though his defense still needs work.
“The bat is more advanced than the glove,” Elias acknowledged. “But part of his development will happen at the major league level.”
Basallo’s timeline may hinge on how aggressively the Orioles retool the roster. With both Adley Rutschman and Maverick Handley dealing with injuries, the team’s catching depth is thin — potentially prompting a quicker promotion than originally planned.
Final Countdown
With the July 31 deadline approaching, the coming weeks will be crucial for Baltimore. Depending on the direction Elias decides to take, the team’s roster, clubhouse atmosphere, and potentially the playoff picture could change significantly.
However, don’t underestimate the Orioles — despite being in fifth place, they could end up being the most important team in baseball this July.
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