Orioles GM Elias Confirms Trade Deadline Selling Strategy

The Baltimore Orioles, struggling significantly in the 2025 season and far out of playoff contention, are preparing to sell off their pending free agents before the trade deadline in an effort to restock their minor league system and build toward the future. General Manager Mike Elias has confirmed the team’s strategy to trade short-term players whose contracts are expiring while maintaining the young core under team control for the coming years, emphasizing a focus on competing strongly again in 2026. Despite the likelihood of trading several bullpen arms and position players like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, and Charlie Morton, Elias insists the Orioles are not undertaking a full rebuild and intend to preserve the team’s foundational talent. The front office acknowledges the difficulty of obtaining major returns in trades given the players’ performances and contract situations but believes moving these pending free agents is necessary. Elias also recognizes the need to strengthen the starting rotation and add consistent bats, with bullpen development remaining a critical challenge. Overall, the Orioles are prioritizing a strategic offseason to reposition themselves as contenders in the near future rather than dismantling the team entirely.