Young Orioles Players Poised for Increased Roles After Trade Deadline

In the wake of recent trades, the Baltimore Orioles are set to give more playing time to several young talents as the team restructures its roster. Eno Sarris of The Athletic highlighted nine players who could benefit from this shift, particularly in light of the departures of key veterans.

One of the most notable beneficiaries is 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo, who is now expected to take over as the starting catcher following the trade of Adley Rutschman. Basallo showed promise in the minors with an impressive .270 batting average and 23 home runs in 76 games during the 2025 season. Despite a challenging MLB debut, he demonstrated potential with a strong performance in May, hitting .338 with an OPS of .973.

Another player to watch is infielder Gunnar Mayo, who has struggled with a .201 batting average this season but has shown flashes of power with 15 home runs. Over his last 15 games, Mayo has improved significantly, posting a .268/.302/.610 slash line, indicating he may be on the verge of breaking out.

Outfielder Colton Cowser, a former first-round pick, has had a rocky path since a promising rookie season in 2024. His overall performance has been inconsistent, and he is still searching for the form that made him a highly regarded prospect. Meanwhile, Jackson Holliday, another top draft pick, continues to show signs of his potential, hitting .368 in July despite earlier injury setbacks.

Lastly, 27-year-old infielder Jace Alexander has emerged as a pleasant surprise, boasting a .312 batting average and versatility across multiple positions before suffering a fractured hand. His recovery will be crucial for the Orioles as they look to build a competitive roster moving forward.