The Baltimore Orioles have taken a significant step by trading right-handed reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays for the 37th pick in the 2025 MLB amateur draft. This move signals the possibility of the Orioles becoming sellers as they sit 12.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the division. Orioles GM Mike Elias hinted at the trade deadline, referencing the Detroit Tigers' previous season where they held onto key players while still making trades.

Since changing managers to Tony Mansolino, the Orioles have improved their record, going 21-14. Despite this, Elias emphasized the importance of the draft, stating that having multiple picks enhances their opportunity for future success. Additionally, the team anticipates the return of several players from the injured list, which could bolster their roster moving forward.

MLB's highly anticipated Home Run Derby is set for 2025 at Truist Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, featuring eight of the league's top sluggers. Participants will aim to hit the most home runs within a time frame, with the top four from the initial round advancing to the semifinals. This thrilling competition has seen past champions like Teoscar Hernandez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Juan Soto.

The 2025 lineup includes Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Braves, James Wood of the Nationals, Oneil Cruz representing the Pirates, Cal Raleigh from the Mariners, Byron Buxton of the Twins, Junior Caminero of the Rays, and Brent Rooker from the Athletics. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN, offering streaming options for fans who want to catch every moment.

The waiver wire in fantasy baseball remains crucial as the MLB All-Star break approaches. Among the top targets are Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox, who is now gaining traction with a low rostered percentage, suggesting he may be a savvy pick-up for teams in need of infield depth. Also noteworthy is Cam Schlittler, recently debuted for the New York Yankees, struggling initially but showing potential with his strikeout numbers, making him a viable option in deeper leagues.

Joe Boyle from the Tampa Bay Rays stands out with 14 strikeouts in his last 10 innings, indicating a strong performance that could translate into wins and strikeouts for fantasy managers. As injuries plague players like Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, monitoring the waiver wire becomes essential for maintaining competitive rosters in the lead-up to the All-Star festivities.

The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and the NL playoff race is heating up, with the St. Louis Cardinals currently 1.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants for the final wild card spot. At 49-44, the Cardinals still have an eye on the NL Central title, trailing the Chicago Cubs by 5.5 games. To bolster their chances, they are expected to pursue pitching help before the July 31 deadline.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Cardinals should target Tampa Bay Rays' Taj Bradley, a 24-year-old pitcher whose talent has not yet translated into elite statistics—he holds a 4.79 ERA with 84 strikeouts. However, he demonstrated his potential with a standout performance against the Astros, throwing 7.0 shutout innings. With the Rays' depth in pitching, they might consider dealing him for the right offer, something the Cardinals could capitalize on.

The Baltimore Orioles have taken their first significant step towards a seller's approach at the trade deadline by trading setup man Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays. This move indicates a shift in strategy for the Orioles, as they look to re-evaluate their roster amid a challenging season. Baker, who has performed well as a reliable option in the bullpen, could provide the Rays with added depth as they aim for playoff contention. For Baltimore, this trade could be the beginning of a significant roster overhaul as they focus on building for the future.