Context:

The Baltimore Orioles, currently in last place and likely sellers at the trade deadline, have traded reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for the 37th overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft. General Manager Mike Elias indicated this move might signal more trades, though he referenced the Detroit Tigers' recent success after similar moves as a possible model for the Orioles. The team, under interim manager Tony Mansolino, has shown improvement with a 21-14 record since late May, and hopes to continue strengthening with several players returning from injury. Elias emphasized the importance of the upcoming draft, with the Orioles holding four of the top 37 picks, viewing it as critical to the franchise's future. Bryan Baker, who has been a reliable setup man with a 3.52 ERA, will now play for a competitive Rays team, while Baltimore aims to strategically utilize their draft opportunities for future gains.

Dive Deeper:

• The Baltimore Orioles traded right-handed reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays for the 37th overall pick in the 2025 MLB amateur draft, reflecting the Orioles' potential strategy to sell assets during the trade deadline, with GM Mike Elias hinting at more moves despite past references to successful roster retention strategies like that of the Detroit Tigers.

• Orioles GM Mike Elias acknowledged the possibility of being sellers, noting the team's current standing of 40-50 and being 12 1/2 games behind the division leader, Toronto, and seven games out of the final AL wild card spot, indicating the need for strategic future planning.

• Interim manager Tony Mansolino has led the Orioles to a 21-14 record since taking over, stabilizing the team after a poor start and the firing of manager Brandon Hyde, with Bryan Baker playing a key role as the setup man for closer Felix Bautista, contributing a 3.52 ERA over 38 1/3 innings.

• The Orioles are strategically positioned with four of the first 37 and seven of the first 93 draft picks in the upcoming draft, which GM Elias views as a crucial opportunity to strengthen the franchise's future, emphasizing the draft's significance given the volume of high picks.

• Bryan Baker's departure to the Rays, a competitive team, comes as the Orioles eye potential roster reinforcements from players returning from injury, including key pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez, Albert Suarez, Tyler Wells, and Kyle Bradish, who are all expected to rejoin the team.

• The trade decision, although earlier than Elias's comfort level due to draft timing, was seen as a beneficial move for both Baker and the Orioles, who aim to capitalize on the draft's potential to bring substantial value to the team.

• The Orioles have positioned themselves to potentially make impactful draft selections with their accumulated picks, which Elias describes as a lifeblood for the franchise, underscoring the strategic importance of the upcoming draft in shaping the team's long-term success.