The Baltimore Orioles are expected to attract significant interest for several players ahead of the MLB trade deadline, with designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn standing out as their top asset. Having secured his first All-Star appearance this season, O’Hearn is enjoying a career-best year that positions him well for a lucrative contract as a free agent this winter.
O’Hearn’s performance through 88 games and 340 plate appearances includes a .281 batting average, .374 on-base percentage, and .452 slugging percentage, resulting in an OPS+ of 134. He has tallied 12 home runs, 14 doubles, and 37 RBIs, showing particular strength against right-handed pitching. Additionally, his increased versatility playing first base and corner outfield spots adds to his appeal for potential suitors.
Potential Landing Spots for Ryan O’Hearn This Trade Season
With just a week remaining until the trade deadline, several clubs could benefit from acquiring O’Hearn, depending on their roster needs and willingness to negotiate with the Orioles. Below are four teams that stand out as fitting options for Baltimore’s slugger.
4. Boston Red Sox Look to Bolster First Base Depth
Though Baltimore and Boston are AL East rivals, the Orioles may consider offers from the Red Sox if terms prove compelling. Boston faces a pressing need at first base following injuries to Triston Casas and the trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
O’Hearn could smoothly fill this void, given his previous success at Fenway Park, where he has hit .280/.357/.467 with four home runs and two doubles in just 75 at-bats. His comfort with the ballpark and experience in the division could make him a valuable mid-season addition for the Red Sox.
3. Seattle Mariners Seeking Offensive Upgrade at First Base
The Mariners started the season with Rowdy Tellez as their first baseman but designated him for assignment in June, leading to Luke Raley and Donovan Solano sharing the role. However, both have struggled to produce, recording OPS marks of .691 and .630, respectively.
O’Hearn offers a clear upgrade, especially with his ability to hit left-handed pitching. He could platoon at first base alongside right-handed hitter Jake Burger or split time at designated hitter with Jorge Polanco, who has made 70 starts in that role. This flexibility would allow Seattle to balance their lineup and improve run production.
2. Texas Rangers Need More Power in Their Lineup
The Rangers brought in Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins and added designated hitter Joc Pederson to address their offensive needs, but both have fallen short of expectations. Pederson is also dealing with an injury, increasing the urgency for Dallas to find a dependable power bat before the deadline.
O’Hearn would provide a solid right-handed complement to Burger at first base and reinforce the designated hitter spot, offering a needed injection of consistency and power to the Rangers’ offense during this critical stretch of the season.
1. Houston Astros Seek Balance with Left-Handed Hitter
Among potential suitors, the Houston Astros appear the most desperate for a left-handed bat, a role O’Hearn could fill immediately. With Yordan Alvarez sidelined, Houston’s lineup heavily features right-handed hitters, limiting their offensive balance and effectiveness.
O’Hearn could share first base duties with Christian Walker or serve primarily as the designated hitter until Alvarez returns. This addition would provide much-needed left-handed plate appearances and bolster the Astros’ offense, which has been compromised by injuries to five players from their Opening Day lineup.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles will weigh offers from these and possibly other clubs, aiming to maximize value for their star slugger. The teams identified demonstrate varied needs that O’Hearn’s skill set can address, making him one of the more intriguing trade candidates this season.