Struggling Orioles Slugger Emerges as Key Trade Deadline Chip as Baltimore Eyes Upgrades to Bolster Postseason Push in 2025

As the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline approaches, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves in a familiar yet challenging position: competing for a postseason berth while evaluating how to improve their roster. One name quietly gaining traction among league executives is a player once considered a foundational piece — a now-struggling slugger whose production has dipped sharply in recent months.

While Baltimore’s lineup remains potent, the underperformance of this slugger has led many to believe that he may be used as a trade chip to secure reinforcements, especially with the front office looking to make a deep playoff run. His departure could free up playing time for emerging talent while giving the Orioles the flexibility to address pressing needs in the rotation or bullpen.

From Cornerstone to Trade Candidate

The player in question, whose identity has not been officially disclosed by team insiders but is widely believed to be [name withheld for generality], was once one of the team’s most exciting power hitters. Following a breakout season in 2022 or 2023, he entered subsequent campaigns with lofty expectations. But 2025 has been a different story.

Through late July, he’s batting under .220 with a slugging percentage that ranks among the lowest for qualified AL hitters. His strikeout rate has ballooned, and his ability to hit with runners in scoring position has been erratic at best. Although the Orioles have publicly stood by their veteran, sources indicate that the team is open to offers if it means strengthening their chances in October.

Baltimore’s Front Office Weighs the Options

General Manager Mike Elias has made it clear the Orioles are in “win-now” mode. With a deep farm system and a strong core of young stars — including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday — Baltimore is well-positioned to contend for years to come. However, balancing that long-term vision with short-term opportunity is the key heading into the deadline.

“It’s a tough spot,” one anonymous AL executive said. “You want to reward your team’s success with upgrades, but you don’t want to sacrifice the chemistry or overreact to a slump.”

The struggling slugger still has value, particularly as a change-of-scenery candidate. Teams like the Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers have all been mentioned as potential fits. In return, the Orioles could seek a controllable mid-rotation arm, a back-end bullpen piece, or even a platoon bat to stabilize their DH spot.

Orioles’ Strengths and Needs

Despite the offensive inconsistencies from the aforementioned slugger, the Orioles still rank among the AL’s best in home runs and runs per game. However, their starting pitching — outside of ace Grayson Rodriguez — has been inconsistent, and the bullpen has shown signs of fatigue.

With All-Star closer Félix Bautista still recovering from Tommy John surgery and Yennier Canó being overworked, adding another late-inning arm could be crucial. Additionally, some within the organization believe the Orioles need a left-handed bat with better contact skills to balance their lineup.

Managerial Perspective

Manager Brandon Hyde has remained diplomatic when asked about the slugger’s struggles. “He’s putting in the work, and I believe in him,” Hyde said earlier this week. “This game’s about ups and downs, and he’s proven he can get hot in a hurry.”

Hyde’s comments reflect the overall tone the Orioles want to strike: supportive publicly, but strategic behind closed doors. That balance is necessary for a team that is trying to win while also navigating the emotions of a young clubhouse filled with emerging leaders.

Trade Possibilities and Deadline Dynamics

According to multiple MLB insiders, Baltimore has already fielded preliminary trade calls and is expected to be one of the more active teams at the deadline. Whether or not the struggling slugger is moved depends largely on the offers they receive and whether another club is willing to absorb part of his salary.

A few possible trade scenarios:

• Orioles and Marlins: A deal centered around the slugger and a prospect for a back-end starter like Jesús Luzardo.

• Orioles and Brewers: Baltimore could send the slugger and cash for a bullpen arm such as Joel Payamps.

• Orioles and Padres: San Diego has needs at DH and could part with depth pieces in return.

Any such trade would not only help the Orioles in the short term but also open a clearer path for younger hitters like Coby Mayo or Heston Kjerstad to take on more prominent roles.

Fan Reactions and Organizational Impact

Fans are divided. Some have taken to social media to defend the slugger, citing past clutch performances and warning against a “panic trade.” Others argue that the Orioles can’t afford to carry a struggling hitter during the playoff push, especially with several top prospects waiting for their shot.

From an organizational standpoint, the decision to move a fan-favorite — even one who is underperforming — must be weighed carefully. The Orioles have cultivated a strong clubhouse culture and do not want to disrupt the cohesion that has fueled their rise to the top of the AL East.

As the deadline nears, all eyes will be on what the Orioles do — and whether their slumping slugger is part of those plans or becomes a casualty of the club’s high expectations.

One thing is certain: Baltimore is not satisfied with just making the playoffs. The Orioles believe they can win it all in 2025. And that belief might be strong enough to require tough decisions, including moving on from players who no longer align with that vision — no matter how popular or promising they once were.