Orioles Struggle, But Stars Still Shine Amid Trade Rumors
The Baltimore Orioles are enduring a tough 2025 season, with several key players reportedly on the trade block. Despite the team’s overall struggles, a few standout names are keeping the Orioles relevant in All-Star discussions. Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Felix Bautista have all made compelling cases for inclusion in this year’s Midsummer Classic.
In a surprising twist, Ryan O’Hearn and Jackson Holliday have surged in MLB fan voting, outpacing more established stars across the league. It’s an unexpected turn, especially with many perennial All-Stars failing to capture the same attention they’ve enjoyed in years past. Still, for the Orioles to improve their outlook, both the team and its top players will need to step up in a big way down the stretch.
With the All-Star break fast approaching, time is running out to solidify a spot on the roster. However, Henderson, Rutschman, and Bautista have already done enough to remain firmly in the conversation. While their path isn’t guaranteed, each has the opportunity to represent Baltimore and prove they belong among the league’s elite.
Gunnar Henderson: Steady Despite Team’s Slump
Even as the Orioles’ offense has faltered, Gunnar Henderson continues to perform at a high level. He’s currently batting .282 with eight home runs, 22 RBIs, and 35 runs scored. While he’s not quite on pace to match last year’s 37 home runs, his underlying metrics suggest he’s poised for a second-half surge.
According to Baseball Savant, Henderson holds a 70 batting run value and an impressive 98 baserunning value. His average exit velocity clocks in at 90, with a hard-hit rate value of 88 and bat speed rated at 93. These advanced stats point to sustained impact potential, even if the raw numbers have dipped.
Simply put, Henderson remains one of Baltimore’s most vital players. Any hopes the Orioles have of turning their season around likely begin with him.
Adley Rutschman: Still the Heart of the Team
Adley Rutschman has started to heat up at the plate, most recently delivering a clutch game-tying two-run homer that sparked a comeback victory. His recent uptick in performance has coincided with a modest resurgence for the team, reinforcing his role as the emotional and strategic leader of the roster.
Rutschman is currently hitting .227 with eight home runs, 20 RBIs, and 31 runs scored. He sports a .319 on-base percentage and a .372 slugging percentage—solid numbers considering his slow start. More importantly, his underlying performance indicators remain encouraging.
Despite the ups and downs, Rutschman continues to embody the identity of the Orioles. If he continues trending upward, he’ll make a strong case for a return to the All-Star Game.
Adley Rutschman: Quietly Elite in Key Moments
While Adley Rutschman’s traditional stats may not jump off the page, his underlying numbers tell a more compelling story. Baseball Savant notes that his run values across hitting, baserunning, and fielding are down this year—but several key metrics still rank among the league’s best. Rutschman boasts elite ratings in squared-up percentage, chase rate, and whiff percentage—all graded at 93. His walk rate is also strong, coming in at an above-average value of 80.
These advanced stats reflect the kind of hitter who can flip a game with one swing. And Rutschman has done exactly that on multiple occasions this season. On May 11, he roped an RBI triple against the Los Angeles Angels that gave the Orioles a lead they never surrendered. Ten days later, he crushed a three-run homer versus the Milwaukee Brewers to break the game wide open. Then, on June 6 against the Seattle Mariners, he launched a clutch two-run shot to tie the game.
In a season where consistency has been rare, Rutschman continues to be the emotional and offensive pulse of the team. His knack for big moments, coupled with strong peripherals, keeps his All-Star case very much alive.
Felix Bautista: Dominance at the Back End
Despite Baltimore’s pitching woes this season, one arm has stood tall—closer Felix Bautista. The bullpen has been a weak spot overall, but Bautista has been the lone bright spot, consistently shutting the door on opponents when given the chance. Through mid-June, he’s posted a 2.81 ERA with 15 saves in 16 opportunities, along with a 0-1 record.
Bautista’s metrics back up the results. His offspeed pitch is a true weapon, earning a run value of 93. He’s held hitters to an expected batting average ranked at a near-perfect 99, and his expected ERA also checks in at an elite 93. Add to that a 94 strikeout percentage value and a fastball velocity score of 91, and it’s clear why Bautista remains one of the league’s top closers.
While the Orioles’ season may not be heading in the direction fans hoped, Bautista’s dominance has preserved the few leads Baltimore has held onto. When coaches vote for bullpen arms, his name deserves serious consideration. His performance speaks for itself—and it should earn him a spot on the 2025 All-Star roster.
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