The Orioles overhaul their roster in July 2025 as reliever Corbin Martin elects free agency. See all the moves as Baltimore signals major changes for the second half.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the Orioles players enjoy their final day of rest before the second half kicks off, the front office was anything but quiet. In a whirlwind of activity on Thursday, the team reshaped its organizational depth, signaling a clear dissatisfaction with the first half of the season and a commitment to finding solutions, no matter how small. The day was highlighted by reliever Corbin Martin's decision to elect free agency, but the sheer volume of transactions tells the real story: change is in the air in Baltimore.
It’s a clear signal from the front office: the first half wasn't good enough, and changes are underway from top to bottom.
The most notable name in Thursday's transaction log was right-handed reliever Corbin Martin, who chose to become a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. Martin, who was just recently added to the 40-man roster, found himself in a precarious position after being designated for assignment. His decision to test the open market is a classic case of a player betting on himself to find a better opportunity elsewhere, and it leaves the Orioles with an open spot and one less piece of bullpen depth as they navigate the second half. It's a tough break for a player who was just on the cusp, but it underscores the ruthless nature of roster management.
The front office's primary focus was clearly on bolstering the farm system. In a trade with the rival Yankees, the Orioles acquired catcher Alex Jackson for international bonus pool money, adding a veteran presence to the Triple-A squad. They didn't stop there, signing a host of players to minor league deals, including catchers Jacob Stallings and shortstop Jose Garcia for Norfolk. The real theme, however, was pitching. The O's inked left-hander Kailen Hamson and a quintet of right-handers from the Dominican Summer League: Edgar Benitez, David Medina, Dalton Neuschwander, Luis Perdomo, and Anderson Reyes. This infusion of arms is a long-term play, aimed at restocking the lower levels of the minors.
To make room for the new additions and create flexibility, the Orioles also made several corresponding moves. A handful of players were outrighted to the minor leagues, including pitchers Matthew Bowman, Luis F. Castillo, and Kyle Tyler, along with catcher David Banuelos and third baseman Emmanuel Rivera. While these aren't household names, these moves are crucial housekeeping. They clear space on the 40-man roster and in the upper minors, potentially setting the stage for more significant moves as the trade deadline approaches or for promoting prospects who have earned a shot. It's all part of the complex puzzle of building a sustainable winner.
This flurry of Thursday transactions may not have included a star player, but it sends a powerful message. The Orioles' front office is proactive, churning the roster to improve depth and create opportunities. As the team prepares to retake the field, these behind-the-scenes moves have set a new tone. The focus now shifts to the trade deadline and, more importantly, to translating this organizational maneuvering into wins on the field. The second half is here, and it's clear the Orioles are not planning to stand still.
