There is a topsy-turvy 2025 season unfolding for the Baltimore Orioles. The team has lost every glimmer of hope. With losses mounting and their playoff chances dwindling to near zero, a sense of urgency hangs in the Baltimore air. It is evident that the storied franchise is at a crossroads, searching for a new flight plan. Whispers from Camden Yards suggest the front office might be contemplating some dramatic changes to right the ship.
It’s been a difficult season to watch for the Orioles’ fans. The Birds are now just 16–33 firmly planted in the cellar in the AL East. They are sitting 14.5 games behind the division-leading New York Yankees. Their pitching, in particular, has been poor, with a league-worst team ERA of 5.31. Those struggles resulted in a major midseason adjustment, as manager Brandon Hyde was dismissed and Tony Mansolino was promoted to interim skipper.
Amid this challenging backdrop, and with the trade deadline not far off, General Manager Mike Elias has some difficult decisions to make. Four main contributors could become valuable trade chips, representing potentially more than $65 million in projected 2025 salaries. These veterans are pitcher Zach Eflin ($40 million), starter Tomoyuki Sugano ($13 million), outfielder Cedric Mullins (projected $8.7 million), and first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (projected $3.5 million). As Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun wrote, these are the players who could “restock a farm system.”
Discussing the pitching assets, Meyer highlights their importance. “Eflin and Sugano are reliable, veteran starting pitchers and the only reason the Orioles’ rotation is only the second worst in MLB instead of the worst,” he wrote. Eflin has consistently delivered a solid start every time since joining Baltimore. An offseason signee, Sugano has matched that reliability. Deals for those seasoned arms should net a haul of prospects, helping to rejuvenate the O’s minor league talent pool.
On the offensive side, Mullins and O’Hearn represent significant trade value. According to Meyer, these two “have been the Orioles’ top two hitters for much of this season.” He points out that a “team in need of a center fielder would certainly be willing to provide value for Mullins.” Meanwhile, O’Hearn’s power could attract clubs “looking for a middle-of-the-order thumper,” potentially making him an All-Star candidate for Baltimore.
It’s important to consider the team’s long-term view of these potential transactions. As Meyer noted, “It’s important to note that trading away any of these players would not preclude the Orioles from trying to sign them in free agency.” This offers a glimmer of hope that some fan favorites might return.
Plugging the Holes: Orioles’ Free Agency Priorities
Down the road, the Orioles will need to be wise in free agency to plug holes. Their starting rotation is in dire need of help after struggling to a 5.77 ERA in the American League early on this season. Sturdy arms such as Nathan Eovaldi or innings-eater Sean Manaea could provide stability. Walker Buehler, post-op, is a high-upside, low-risk candidate for a “prove-it” deal and would infuse some much-needed talent into the staff.
The bullpen, which has a slightly more acceptable collective FIP of 3.77, is no stranger to its own considerable set of issues, particularly in high-leverage opportunities. Relievers such as Carlos Estévez, who has a track record of coming through in high-leverage situations, would be an advantage. Clay Holmes, another reliever who is no longer a closer with the Yankees, provides late-inning experience. Most notably, southpaw Caleb Ferguson could bring balance and depth, something the O’s lack.
The Orioles’ offense has been among the driving forces of the team’s 2025 woes, a well-below-average unit with a team wRC+ of 97. Conventional figures largely confirm this sad state of (hitting) affairs as a group. The batting average is .235 with an on-base percentage of .301 and a slugging percentage of .389. A glaring deficiency has been the team’s inability to draw walks; their collective walk rate of 7.6% is reported as one of the lowest in Major League Baseball.
In that case, the Orioles need to acquire a right-handed power bat, particularly if Anthony Santander leaves. Their current lineup leans heavily left-handed, lacking balance. Teoscar Hernández, fresh off a 33-homer season, could provide immediate impact. Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 homers for Boston, offers another strong right-handed alternative. Christian Walker is a right-handed power bat with Gold Glove defense.
The Orioles face a pivotal moment, with tough decisions looming that could reshape their roster significantly. The potential trades of established stars signal a commitment to finding long-term solutions, even if it means short-term pain. Will these bold moves finally help the Birds soar again in the competitive AL East? Only time will tell if this strategy brings sustained success back to Baltimore.
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