Red Sox’s AL East Rival ‘Not Blowing Up Team’ At Deadline
The Baltimore Orioles will be sellers at the deadline — but do not expect a full tear down.
General manager Mike Elias made that clear in a recent interview, telling MLB Network Radio, “We’re not blowing up the team.” Instead, Elias emphasized that the front office is only focused on moving short-term assets, not dismantling the foundation of a roster they believe can contend again in 2026.
At 10 games below .500 and trailing multiple teams in the Wild Card race, the Orioles are being realistic. But Elias stated he has no intention of trading away the club’s young core.
Baltimore is expected to entertain offers for expiring contracts and veterans on one-year deals. It is a strategic, soft sell — one designed to reset the roster without derailing its long-term ambitions. Players like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holliday are not going anywhere. This deadline is more about maximizing value on rentals than starting over.
After shipping reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month, the Orioles signaled their direction. The scope of any additional moves will be limited to names unlikely to be with the team beyond 2025.
That includes pending free agents and a few veterans with club options — not young franchise pillars such as outfielders Ramon Laureano, Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins. Pitchers Charlie Morton, Zach Eflin and Gregory Soto could also be in play.
The Orioles’ season has not gone to plan after two straight playoff appearances, but a calculated course correction is needed in Baltimore.
The goal is to stay on track for what the club still views as a sustainable winning window.