Orioles Abandon Trade Plans After Zach Eflin Injury at Deadline

The Baltimore Orioles' trade deadline plans in 2025 were significantly disrupted when their most tradable starter, Zach Eflin, was placed on the injured list due to recurring back problems, ending any possibility of trading him. Eflin's injury forced general manager Mike Elias to adjust a sell-off strategy that had already seen nine players traded, as the team shifted from postseason aspirations to rebuilding. Among the trades made, the Orioles sent All-Star slugger Ryan O'Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano to the San Diego Padres, although the return for Baltimore remains unclear. O'Hearn, enjoying the best season of his career and an All-Star starter, could benefit from a strong finish to potentially secure a lucrative free-agent contract. The Orioles also traded several other players to various teams, including Charlie Morton, Cedric Mullins, and Seranthony Dominguez, as part of their broader roster retooling. These moves highlight Baltimore's transition from contention to a rebuilding phase amid injury setbacks and roster changes.