The Baltimore Orioles might be buried in the standings, but don’t be fooled — they could hold the keys to the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
Despite a 35-47 record that places them 11.5 games behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees, insiders believe Baltimore could become the most impactful team on the market.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, multiple league executives say no seller has the kind of talent the Orioles are holding, and if they decide to move those pieces, the ripple effects could be massive.
Why Executives Are Watching Baltimore Closely
The Orioles’ season has fallen short of expectations after entering 2025 as a perceived playoff lock.
Injuries, inconsistency, and one of baseball’s most demanding schedules have derailed their early momentum, leaving GM Mike Elias in a precarious position.
Still, Elias isn’t rushing to a decision. “We’re not committed to a path yet,” he told reporters, adding that the front office is preparing for both a buying and selling scenario.
“We want to keep giving this team a chance… but we’re going to have to ultimately make a decision at some point in July.”
The league is watching and waiting. As one NL executive told Feinsand, “It’s not very close. The Orioles players on expiring contracts represent a better collection of talent than the other current likely sellers.”
The Names That Could Headline the Deadline
Baltimore’s list of potential trade chips is as deep as diverse. On the offensive side, outfielders Cedric Mullins and Ramón Laureano could be game-changing additions for contenders needing speed and defense. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn—named by Bleacher Report as 2025’s biggest surprise—is hitting well enough to draw serious interest.
On the mound, there’s no shortage of intrigue. Zach Eflin ($18 million salary), Tomoyuki Sugano ($13 million), and Charlie Morton ($15 million) headline a trio of veteran starters who could immediately bolster playoff rotations. Catcher Gary Sánchez and others also offer intriguing short-term value.
However, their flexibility makes the Orioles even more potent in this market. Elias confirmed that ownership is willing to absorb salary in trades to boost the return — a rare move that could make Baltimore a top destination for teams looking to buy without breaking the bank.
Playing the Waiting Game
Fangraphs currently gives Baltimore just a 3.7% chance of reaching the postseason.
Their upcoming schedule — featuring the Rays, Rangers, Guardians, and Blue Jays — offers little room for error.
Selling becomes the likely outcome if the team doesn’t rattle off a few series wins in early July.
Even so, Elias has left the door open for creative alternatives.
Teams like the Pirates and Cubs resisted full sell-offs last year and instead added controllable pieces.
Baltimore could explore a similar path, especially with the financial flexibility to retain salary or absorb a contract in a buy-side deal.
Names like Sandy Alcantara, Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds, and Jarren Duran — all controllable beyond this year — have been floated in league circles. The Orioles have the prospect depth and payroll space to enter any of those conversations, whether buying or repositioning for 2026.
A Glimpse Into the Future
It’s not just about the deadline, either. Elias gave confidence to interim manager Tony Mansolino, who has led the team to a 20-18 record since replacing Brandon Hyde. He also hinted that top catching prospect Samuel Basallo could debut later this season, despite needing continued development behind the plate.
“The bat is more ready than the catching,” Elias admitted. “But some of that will be developing in the majors.”
Whether Basallo’s debut happens before or after the deadline may depend on how aggressive the Orioles get in reshaping the roster. With Adley Rutschman and Maverick Handley both banged up, the team is thin behind the plate and more willing to accelerate a call-up than previously indicated.
Final Countdown
With the deadline set for July 31, Baltimore’s next few weeks will be pivotal. The roster, the clubhouse, and maybe even the playoff race could look a lot different depending on which road Elias chooses.
But make no mistake — even sitting in fifth place, the Orioles might be the most critical team in baseball this July.
