The Baltimore Orioles have struggled early in the 2025 season, with only Cedric Mullins showing consistent offensive production. His .870 OPS is a standout in a team average of .687, ranking 18th in MLB. Meanwhile, Jackson Holliday, the first overall pick in the 2022 draft, is starting to find his form after a disappointing 2024 season. After posting a mere .189 average last year, Holliday has improved dramatically in his first 28 games of 2025, hitting .273 with a 129 OPS+, including a hot streak over the last week.

This recent surge from Holliday is crucial for the Orioles, especially given the lack of support from the rest of the lineup. His recent performance, which includes a .400 batting average over the past seven games, has given the team a much-needed boost at a time they are facing challenges.

The Kansas City Royals, after a promising postseason appearance last year, are grappling with offensive struggles, particularly in their outfield, which has been the worst in MLB with a -1.1 fWAR through April.

The current trio of Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe has combined for a -0.6 fWAR, raising concerns over the lineup's effectiveness. With the team rumored to be interested in Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins, who boasts a 173 wRC+ and leads the Orioles despite their struggles, a trade could provide the boost the Royals desperately need.

Renfroe, who was expected to excel after signing with Kansas City, has underperformed, showcasing the need for the Royals to address their outfield situation. As the Royals have recently found success, winning nine of their last ten games, they still rank last in home runs, indicating a pressing need for power hitters.

The Baltimore Orioles are struggling significantly this season, with their recent performances against teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, and Detroit Tigers raising concerns about their offensive approach. Batters appear to lack the instruction needed to adjust at the plate, leading to excessive strikeouts. With key players such as Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman, and Jordan Westburg sidelined, the remaining lineup has failed to produce effectively against both strong and mediocre pitching. The team's reliance on power hitting rather than small ball tactics has contributed to their lack of scoring, suggesting a need for change in strategy and practice routines.

The second month of fantasy baseball is an ideal time for savvy managers to dive into the trade market, taking advantage of fluctuating player valuations. With many owners still closely monitoring their rosters, there's a ripe opportunity to find partners willing to trade. It's crucial to analyze players' early-season stats critically, as hot starts can often be deceptive.

Alec Bohm's April surge in 2024, for instance, inflated perceptions despite his history of underperformance. Similarly, Cedric Mullins' strong showings come with a warning; his inconsistency in past seasons suggests that his current form may not be sustainable. Ryan Pressly's early struggles with the Cubs raise doubts about his job security as closer. Conversely, players like Gavin Lux and Tyler Mahle present intriguing trade options, but their current performances may not reflect long-term value.

The Baltimore Orioles, fresh off impressive playoff runs, are struggling in the 2025 season, currently languishing in last place in the AL East with an 11-17 record. Their performance has led to a notable drop in power rankings, now sitting at 21st. The spotlight is on Cedric Mullins, who, in a contract year, is showing exceptional form with a .574 slugging percentage, reminiscent of his breakout 30/30 season in 2021. Despite his excellence, the Orioles' collective batting struggles highlight a need for greater support from their talented roster.