As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, teams around the league begin to assess their rosters, considering which players they can trade to bolster their future prospects or address immediate needs. For the Baltimore Orioles, a team that has seen significant growth over the past few years, the trade deadline presents an opportunity to further solidify their place in the playoff race or to continue building for long-term success. While the Orioles are a competitive team, there are a few players on their roster who could potentially be moved in exchange for prospects or players that would better fit their current or future needs. With that in mind, here are four Baltimore Orioles who are among the likeliest to be moved ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline.
The Baltimore Orioles, traditionally known as a team in the rebuilding phase, have experienced a remarkable turnaround in recent seasons. After years of languishing at the bottom of the standings, the Orioles have started to emerge as a playoff contender, thanks in large part to their excellent farm system, shrewd trades, and some key acquisitions. However, their rise to relevance has not come without its own set of challenges. While the team has a bright future, it still has areas that need improvement, and the upcoming trade deadline could provide an opportunity for the Orioles to address these needs.
The Orioles have a solid core of players that form the backbone of their roster, including stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Ryan Mountcastle. These players represent the team’s future, and it is highly unlikely that they will be moved at the deadline. However, there are others on the roster who are seen as more expendable and could be moved in the right deal. Some of these players may be approaching the end of their contracts, while others may be caught in a numbers game, with younger, more promising players waiting in the wings to take their place. For the Orioles, the goal at the trade deadline is likely to be twofold: securing immediate reinforcements for their playoff push and acquiring additional assets for the future.
The first player who could be moved is Anthony Santander. The 28-year-old outfielder has been a consistent power bat for the Orioles in recent seasons, hitting for both average and power. Santander has been a key part of the team’s lineup and has established himself as one of their most reliable hitters. However, with the Orioles’ growing depth in the outfield and the emergence of younger players like Heston Kjerstad and Colton Cowser, Santander’s place on the team could be in question. While he has been a solid performer, the Orioles may decide to move him while his value is high, particularly if they can get a good return in the form of prospects or a pitcher who could help them down the stretch. Santander is under team control through the 2025 season, so any team acquiring him would be getting a player who can contribute immediately, with the added benefit of multiple years of control. For the Orioles, trading Santander could free up space in the outfield for their younger players while also bringing in assets that could help them in the future.
Another player who could be moved is Jorge López, the 30-year-old right-handed reliever. López had a breakout 2021 season, earning an All-Star selection and establishing himself as one of the most effective relievers in the Orioles’ bullpen. However, his performance has been inconsistent in the years since, and the Orioles may be looking to move him in exchange for a player who can contribute more consistently in the future. López is in the final year of his contract, which makes him a prime candidate to be traded to a contender looking to bolster their bullpen for a playoff run. Relievers are often in high demand at the trade deadline, especially those with experience and a proven track record, and López fits that description. The Orioles could look to deal him for a prospect or a player who could help them in the long term, especially if they believe his value will be higher at the deadline than it will be in the offseason.
A third player who could be moved is James McCann. While McCann has been an important veteran presence behind the plate for the Orioles, his time in Baltimore may be coming to an end. The 34-year-old catcher is in the second year of a four-year, $40 million contract he signed with the New York Mets, but he was traded to the Orioles in the offseason. McCann’s offensive production has been disappointing in recent years, and while he is still regarded as a solid defensive catcher, the Orioles may be ready to move on from him in favor of giving more playing time to younger players like Adley Rutschman and others in their system. The Orioles have a wealth of catching prospects in their farm system, and McCann’s contract could be seen as a burden in terms of both finances and playing time for younger players. The team could look to trade McCann to a team in need of a veteran catcher, especially one that could benefit from his experience in a backup role or as a mentor for younger pitchers. The Orioles would likely be looking for a trade that brings back a young player or a prospect who can help them in the future, and McCann’s contract and limited offensive production make him a likely candidate to be moved.
Finally, Kyle Gibson, a veteran starting pitcher, could also be on the move ahead of the deadline. Gibson, 36, has been a reliable presence in the Orioles’ starting rotation this season, providing innings and stability for a team that has been inconsistent in terms of starting pitching. While Gibson has been solid for the Orioles, his age and status as a free agent at the end of the season make him a prime candidate to be traded. Starting pitchers with Gibson’s experience and ability to eat innings are often in high demand at the trade deadline, as teams in the playoff hunt look to add depth to their rotations. For the Orioles, trading Gibson could make sense if they feel that his contributions can be replaced by younger pitchers or if they believe his value in a trade would be high. Given that he is in the final year of his contract, the Orioles would have no long-term commitment to him beyond this season, making it an ideal time to move him if the right deal comes along. By trading Gibson, the Orioles could bring in a young prospect or a player who could help them in the future while clearing space in the rotation for their younger pitchers.
As the trade deadline draws closer, the Baltimore Orioles will be faced with some important decisions regarding the future of their roster. While the team has a bright future, there are still areas that need improvement, and the front office may decide that moving certain players is the best way to address those needs. Anthony Santander, Jorge López, James McCann, and Kyle Gibson are among the players most likely to be moved ahead of the deadline, as they represent both potential upgrades for other teams and areas where the Orioles can make improvements for the future. The Orioles’ farm system remains one of the best in baseball, and the team has already demonstrated a commitment to building through player development and smart trades. With the right moves at the trade deadline, the Orioles could further solidify their position as one of the top teams in the American League while continuing to build for sustained success in the future.
The trade deadline is always an exciting time in baseball, with teams jockeying for position and making moves that can shape the rest of the season. For the Orioles, it’s a chance to continue their upward trajectory and make moves that will benefit them both in the short term and in the years to come. Whether they choose to move one or more of these players or hold onto them for the stretch run, the Orioles’ future looks bright, and the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining how quickly they can take the next step toward contention.
