Injuries to key players like Gunnar Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, and others have disrupted both the lineup and rotation, exposing the Orioles’ depth issues. With the team sitting well below .500 and far from contention, Baltimore could shift from buyer to seller at the trade deadline — a tough pill to swallow after such promising 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
Veterans like Kyle Gibson or Anthony Santander could be moved for prospects if the Orioles decide to retool rather than make a futile playoff push.
Ryan Mountcastle’s injury
Mountcastle’s injury significantly damages both his trade value and Baltimore’s flexibility at the deadline. As a right-handed bat with power and experience, he was a logical trade chip for a team looking to retool. But a Grade 2 hamstring strain with an 8–12 week recovery timetable means any acquiring team wouldn’t see him until late August or even September — a major deterrent.
This could push the Orioles to shift more aggressively toward dealing other veterans like Anthony Santander or Jorge Mateo, or to showcase younger players like Coby Mayo more heavily to assess long-term roles.
With Ryan Mountcastle sidelined and unlikely to be moved before the July 31 trade deadline, Ryan O’Hearn’s emergence becomes even more critical for Baltimore. Not only has O’Hearn stabilized the first base position with his elite offensive production (.317 AVG, .402 OBP, 59 hits), but he’s also become one of the few bright spots in a disappointing Orioles season.
O’Hearn’s performance could change Baltimore’s outlook—either as a short-term core piece or a potential trade chip himself if the team leans fully into a retool. But given his current value and affordable contract, it’s more likely the Orioles hang onto him and continue to build around his bat, especially with Mountcastle’s return timeline uncertain.
What’s next for the Orioles?
You’re right — the Orioles’ 2025 struggles have brought a sudden and sharp contrast to the optimism that surrounded the team just months ago. After two promising regular seasons, their inability to break through in the postseason, combined with this year’s regression, suggests that the current core may have reached its ceiling.
Injuries like Ryan Mountcastle’s and regression from key players have exposed depth issues and inconsistencies in the roster. While the future is still bright — with talents like Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman, and Gunnar Henderson — Baltimore may need to retool rather than rebuild. That could mean moving veterans, re-evaluating their pitching staff, and seeking more lineup balance through trades.
If they approach the deadline aggressively, they could still shape 2026 into a bounce-back season.
