Baltimore Orioles’ Red Hot Star Named as Potential Trade Candidate if Team Sells

As the 2025 MLB season barrels toward its midseason mark, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves in a complicated position. On paper, they’re packed with young, electrifying talent and a fan base reinvigorated by a competitive rebuild. But with a loaded AL East, lingering pitching inconsistencies, and a front office that’s shown pragmatism over sentimentality, the Orioles face a tough decision: push all-in for a postseason run, or retool yet again in pursuit of sustained future dominance. One major domino in that decision? The future of one of their hottest and most valuable players — outfielder Anthony Santander, recently named as a top trade candidate if the Orioles decide to sell.

Santander, a key figure in Baltimore’s resurgence, has been on an absolute tear in 2025. His breakout stretch over the past two months has drawn national attention, with power numbers rivaling some of the game’s best sluggers. But ironically, his performance may also make him the Orioles’ most attractive trade chip — and, according to multiple insiders, a prime candidate to be moved should the team pivot toward selling before the trade deadline.

A Career Year for Santander

At 30 years old, Santander is having arguably the best season of his career. Through 100 games, he’s slashing .285/.365/.535 with 24 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a 140 wRC+. He’s also flashed improved discipline at the plate, walking at a career-high rate and cutting down on chase pitches — a marked evolution from his earlier seasons.

More impressively, he’s done this while maintaining his defensive versatility. Though traditionally a right fielder, Santander has logged innings at DH and left field as well, giving Baltimore flexibility in how they configure their lineups. His presence in the heart of the order has been a stabilizing force, particularly with other offensive weapons like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson dealing with minor slumps or injuries.

In short, Santander is doing everything right — which is why his name appearing in trade rumors has Orioles fans both intrigued and nervous.

Why Santander Could Be Moved

Baltimore’s front office, led by executive vice president and GM Mike Elias, has earned a reputation for long-term planning. Even as the Orioles stunned the league with their 101-win campaign in 2023, Elias remained disciplined, avoiding splashy trades and big free agent signings that could mortgage the team’s future.

That strategy has resulted in arguably the deepest farm system in baseball — still stocked with elite talent despite numerous call-ups in recent years. But it also means the Orioles may be open to trading from strength if they believe a move could benefit them in 2026 and beyond.

Santander, who is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, checks several boxes for teams looking to add a bat for a playoff run. He’s experienced, postseason-tested, and producing at an elite level — all while being relatively affordable. If Baltimore’s playoff hopes fade in July, the logic for moving him is simple: get value now, rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.

The Case for Keeping Him

But it’s not a foregone conclusion that the Orioles will sell — or that Santander will be the player sacrificed. Despite recent struggles, Baltimore remains within striking distance of an AL Wild Card spot, and their core is still incredibly young. If the front office believes their current window is open, they could just as easily double down and keep Santander as part of a push.

There’s also the matter of clubhouse chemistry. Santander is beloved by teammates and coaches alike. Known for his leadership and work ethic, he serves as a mentor to younger players — particularly the club’s wave of international talent. Moving him would send a clear message to the clubhouse, one that could dampen morale and signal a retreat rather than a charge.

Then there’s the fans. After years of painful rebuilds, the Orioles faithful are hungry for postseason baseball. Trading away a star player while still in the playoff hunt would risk alienating the very base that has re-embraced the team.

Teams That Could Be Interested

Should the Orioles decide to move Santander, the market will be robust. Multiple contenders are expected to be in search of middle-of-the-order bats, and Santander’s profile fits a wide variety of rosters. Among the most likely suitors:

1. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners are in the thick of the AL West race but have struggled to find consistent production from their corner outfielders. Santander’s power and veteran presence would fit perfectly in Seattle’s right-handed-heavy lineup.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

With Bryce Harper fully transitioned to first base, the Phillies have rotated multiple players through the DH and right field slots. Santander would bring switch-hitting power and give the Phillies added depth for a playoff push.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

Even a team as loaded as the Dodgers could benefit from Santander’s bat. With Max Muncy’s inconsistency and injuries to key outfielders, LA may look to add a versatile power hitter like Santander to solidify their lineup depth.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

The NL Central-leading Brewers have one of the lowest OPS totals among playoff contenders. Santander could provide a desperately needed offensive jolt to a team built more around pitching than slugging.

5. New York Yankees

Ironically, a division rival could come calling. The Yankees have had their share of injury issues, and Santander’s ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate might be the final piece to their postseason puzzle.

What the Orioles Could Get in Return

If the Orioles do pull the trigger on a trade, the return package could be substantial — particularly if a bidding war erupts among contenders. While Santander is not a long-term control player, his current production and low salary make him a premium rental.

Baltimore would likely target young, MLB-ready arms or high-upside pitching prospects. That aligns with their current needs, as the rotation behind Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish remains a work in progress. A trade could also bring a controllable bullpen arm or a catching prospect to reinforce the depth behind Adley Rutschman.

Think names like Emerson Hancock (Mariners), Mick Abel (Phillies), or Landon Knack (Dodgers) — young pitchers who are either ready for The Show or within striking distance.

Internal Replacements and Future Outlook

If Santander is traded, who steps up? Fortunately for Baltimore, the pipeline is primed. Heston Kjerstad, a former top-5 pick, is crushing Triple-A pitching and seems ready for a full-time role. Colton Cowser and Kyle Stowers have both shown flashes, and Jackson Holliday’s ascent has created roster flexibility across the infield and outfield.

This depth makes the idea of moving Santander more palatable — and again reflects the front office’s long-term vision. In a perfect world, Elias would be able to recoup valuable assets while simultaneously promoting from within to keep the team competitive.

The real gamble is timing: trade too early, and you risk disrupting chemistry; wait too long, and Santander’s value may dip, especially if he cools off or suffers an injury.

What Santander Has Said

To his credit, Santander has handled the speculation with grace. In recent interviews, he’s focused on helping the team win and continuing to improve each day. When asked directly about trade rumors, he responded:

“I’ve been through this before. It’s part of the game. My job is to keep playing hard and helping the Orioles however I can. I love this team, and we’ll see what happens.”

That kind of maturity and professionalism only adds to his value — both on the field and in the clubhouse.

Orioles’ Precedent for Selling and Staying Competitive

The Elias regime has shown that it can walk the line between selling and staying competitive. In 2022, the Orioles traded closer Jorge López despite being in playoff contention — a move that angered fans but ultimately brought in Yennier Cano, now a key piece of their bullpen.

This approach has worked before and could work again. If Santander is traded, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Orioles are giving up on the season. It may simply mean they’re reallocating assets with a sharper eye on 2026 and beyond.

A Defining Deadline for the O’s

The 2025 trade deadline could be one of the most pivotal moments of the Orioles’ rebuild-to-contender journey. Anthony Santander’s name is likely to be front and center in that conversation. His trade value has never been higher, but so too is his importance to Baltimore’s playoff hopes and clubhouse culture.

If the team continues to hover around .500 or falls further behind in the division, trading Santander might become the smart — if unpopular — move. But if the Orioles find a second wind and string together wins, keeping him could be both the pragmatic and emotional decision.

Either way, what happens with Santander will speak volumes about how the Orioles view themselves — not just this season, but in the broader arc of their return to baseball relevance.