Jul 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Ramon Laureano (12) hits an RBI single during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Orioles outfielder emerging as target for NL Central contender

Originally posted on Baltimore Orioles on SI
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Baltimore Orioles took a shot on veteran outfielder Ramon Laureano late in free agency, with an eye toward bolstering their bench.

Signed to a one-year, $4 million deal with a team option for 2026, it was a worthwhile investment for the Orioles to see if he could replicate his success as a reserve outfielder. Laureano has surpassed all expectations placed on him coming into the year and has become an integral part of the team’s lineup as one of their most productive position players in 2025.

Laureano has put Baltimore in a great position to cash in on his incredible value ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Several teams are interested in acquiring him to bolster their outfield, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealing the Cincinnati Reds as a new potential suitor. The Reds are on the lookout for a player who can bolster their lineup and hit behind superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz.

Reds have pitching, Tito and an opportunity, and are looking for a hitter, especially if they can find one to bat behind Elly. Eugenio Suarez and Ramon Laureano are two Cincy is considering. Could Ozuna also fit as fallback guy?
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2025

The Orioles' 31-year-old outfielder is one of the players who are on Cincinnati's radar, along with Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez and potentially Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.

Through 81 games and 289 plate appearances, Laureano has a strong .291/.356/.531 slash line with 15 home runs, 17 doubles and 46 RBI; his +18 Batting Run Value is in the 88th percentile of qualified major leaguers, per Baseball Savant. While his range in the outfield (-4 Outs Above Average) leaves something to be desired, he makes up for it with one of the strongest arms in baseball (+4 Arm Value and 86th percentile arm strength).

Ramon Laureano becoming immortalized in Orioles fan’s hearts has been one of the best storylines of the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/wxE7pIDgok
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) July 29, 2025

Given how well he has performed on the field and the robust market developing for him, Baltimore should be able to get back some real value in exchange for Laureano. He is one of several players generating interest on the trade market along with veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton, center fielder Cedric Mullins, and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn.

This article first appeared on Baltimore Orioles on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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