Which Orioles Could Be on the Move as the Trade Deadline Nears?
The Baltimore Orioles have encountered a rocky and inconsistent 2025 season, spending most of the year in last place in the AL East as the July 4th weekend approaches. Baltimore currently holds a 37-47 record, sitting 10.5 games behind the division-leading New York Yankees and seven games out of the final Wild Card spot in the American League. With seven teams ahead of them in the standings, the Orioles’ front office, led by general manager Mike Elias, is likely already preparing to become sellers ahead of the July 31st trade deadline at 6:00 p.m. ET. While the Orioles have shown some improvement under interim manager Tony Mansolino, going 22-19 during his tenure, their path to the postseason remains a long shot. With the likelihood of Baltimore offloading valuable assets, here are three potential players who could find themselves on a bona fide contender in less than a month.
1. Ryan O’Hearn
The most obvious trade candidate for the Orioles, and the player likely to bring the highest return in terms of prospects, is utility man Ryan O’Hearn. Since arriving in Baltimore in 2023, O’Hearn has enjoyed a career resurgence after struggling during his first five MLB seasons with the Kansas City Royals. In 2025, the 31-year-old has been the Orioles’ most consistent and productive hitter, stepping up while others have struggled or spent time on the injured list. He leads the team with a .295 batting average, ranks second in home runs with 11, and is third in RBIs with 30. Set to become a free agent at season’s end, O’Hearn has positioned himself for a potential payday, and with that in mind, the Orioles need to maximize his trade value. Dealing O’Hearn could be a key step toward retooling the roster and returning to contention in 2026.
2. Cedric Mullins
Another name near the top of the Orioles’ potential trade list is veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins. The 30-year-old center fielder has experienced the highs and lows of his eight-year tenure in Baltimore, enduring the team’s lengthy rebuild before contributing to its recent resurgence, including a 101-win season in 2023 and a 91-win campaign last year. Like O’Hearn, Mullins is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. As a result, the Orioles' front office is likely to explore trade opportunities to maximize their return for the former 2015 draft pick. With playoff contenders always seeking outfield depth, especially players who offer a reliable glove and consistent offensive production, Mullins figures to be an appealing trade chip as the deadline approaches.
3. Zach Eflin
On the pitching front, veteran right-hander Zach Eflin may be the Orioles’ most intriguing trade chip for contenders looking to bolster their rotation. Now in his 10th MLB season, Eflin has been a steady and reliable presence for Baltimore since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at last year’s trade deadline. However, his recent performance and injury concerns may dampen his trade value. Eflin struggled throughout May and June, finishing June with an 8.72 ERA. On Saturday, he exited his start against the Rays after just one inning and was subsequently placed on the injured list for the second time this season, this time with low back discomfort. His previous IL stint lasted from April 8th to May 11th due to a right lat strain. These back-to-back setbacks, combined with recent inconsistency, could negatively impact what the Orioles can get in return. Still, Eflin’s track record and ability to contribute to a postseason run when healthy could make him an appealing target for a contender looking to take a calculated risk at the deadline.
