The Baltimore Orioles have become one of the most underwhelming teams in Major League Baseball this year. After winning the AL East in 2023 and securing a Wild Card spot in 2024, the Orioles found themselves struggling again in 2025, sitting 12th in their division and holding the third Wild Card position at the start of Saturday’s game. Their recent 11-3 home loss to the Tampa Bay Rays dropped their season record to 35-47.
With the trade deadline coming up on July 31st—just a month away—the Orioles still have a chance to heat up and inch closer to a playoff spot. If they do, they should aggressively pursue that goal. However, if their performance continues to falter, it’s likely the team will shift strategies and become sellers at the deadline. General Manager Mike Elias acknowledged this balance in a Saturday interview, emphasizing the team’s desire to compete while preparing for all possible outcomes.
Elias pointed out that talks among General Managers have already begun as teams get ready for potential trades, noting that although they’re not ready to give up, decisions will have to be made by July. In the meantime, the Orioles are assessing both options carefully.
Should the Orioles decide to sell, they are expected to retain key long-term players like Adley Lutschman and Gunnar Henderson, but several veterans could be moved. Potential trade candidates include starting pitcher Zach Eflin, who has struggled this season despite a solid track record; Charlie Morton, who has had mixed results and is 41 years old; relievers Selantiny Dominguez and Gregory Soto; catcher Gary Sanchez; and Ramon Laureano, who has club options for next season. Additionally, players like Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins, both free agents after this season, may also be considered. Mullins, a longtime Oriole, has had a tough 2025 but remains a hard-working presence on the team.
Overall, if the Orioles decide to sell, there could be some intriguing names available, but no blockbuster trades are expected.
Fan Take: This situation is crucial for Orioles fans watching a team that once raised playoff hopes but now faces uncertainty. For baseball as a whole, how the Orioles navigate the trade deadline could highlight the challenges of sustaining success and the constant balancing act teams face between rebuilding and competing.
