3 nightmare scenarios for the Baltimore Orioles at 2025 trade deadline

Given how much of a disappointment the Baltimore Orioles' 2025 season has been, the MLB trade deadline figures to be the most important moment for the team between now and the end of the season. The Orioles will control the conversation at the deadline, considering the number of rental players they have to offer. With the right moves at the deadline, the Orioles could be in a position to return to relevancy as early as 2026.

If Mike Elias is going to make a case to remain the Orioles' general manager, he will need to have a successful trade deadline. Anything short of success at the deadline, in terms of setting the Orioles up for the 2026 season, will only lead to Elias' already hot seat getting warmer. With that said, there are nightmare scenarios he needs to avoid.

3 trade deadline outcomes Orioles fans don’t even want to imagine

Any injuries and/or ineffectiveness from Orioles trade candidates would be a disaster

This is the obvious nightmare scenario that could ruin the Orioles' plans at the deadline. Something we potentially saw happen with the Houston Astros, as their preferred target, All-Star Brandon Lowe, was placed on the IL on Tuesday, likely removing any chance he gets moved before the deadline. The Orioles need their top rental bats, Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins, to remain healthy before next Thursday; otherwise, they risk losing each for nothing at the end of the season.

Only moving rental players would be a mistake from the Orioles

If the Orioles are going to dramatically reshape their roster at the deadline, there will be a need to get creative with the moves they make. If there is a rental player on the Orioles' roster, they almost certainly will get moved before the deadline. However, it can't stop there, and if it does, Elias may prove that he isn't the right man to get the team back on track.

Charlie Morton gets overlooked in dash for starting pitchers

Considering his age and ineffectiveness at the beginning of the season, Charlie Morton may not have the shine as other high-profile starting pitchers on the trade market. However, since May 14, Morton has an ERA of 3.60 while striking out over 25 percent of the hitters he faced. For a team looking to stabilize the backend of their rotation, Morton has value. A free agent after the season, it would be a major mistake if Morton is on the Orioles' roster after July 31.

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