The San Diego Padres have made a major move to bolster their playoff aspirations by trading for outfielders Ramón Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles. The trade, completed recently, involved sending six minor league prospects to Baltimore, aiming to address San Diego’s need for lineup depth before the postseason push.

General manager A.J. Preller, after securing closer Mason Miller from the Athletics, sealed this blockbuster trade to enhance the Padres’ starting lineup. With the team holding a 60-49 record and comfortably positioned in the National League Wild Card race, this move signals a serious commitment to playoff success and highlights the importance of the Ramón Laureano Padres trade acquisition.

Ryan O’Hearn’s Expected Contribution to San Diego’s Offense

Ryan O’Hearn, 32, has been an offensive asset for Baltimore this season and is projected to take on a significant role with the Padres. His 2025 stats include a .283 batting average, a .374 on-base percentage, and a .463 slugging percentage across 361 plate appearances, along with 13 home runs and 43 runs batted in. O’Hearn’s weighted runs created plus (wRC+) stands at an impressive 134, and he has contributed 2.4 wins above replacement (fWAR) so far this year.

O’Hearn’s versatility in the field—primarily as a first baseman but also as a corner outfielder and designated hitter—adds valuable flexibility to San Diego’s roster. His success in facing right-handed pitchers, where he holds a .294 average with 13 of his 14 home runs hit against opposite-handed arms, makes him a formidable offensive presence.

With Gavin Sheets also on the roster as a left-handed hitting designated hitter, O’Hearn’s acquisition suggests he will receive substantial playing time, especially against right-handed pitching. There is speculation that Sheets may transition to a bench role, given O’Hearn’s strong all-around contributions and All-Star status this season.

Ramón Laureano’s Role and Potential Impact in San Diego’s Outfield

Ramón Laureano, 31, arrived in San Diego after signing with Baltimore before the season on a one-year deal with a $6 million club option for 2026. Initially expected to serve as a bench outfielder in Baltimore, Laureano quickly secured a regular position due to injuries and performed impressively. His statistics this year include a .290 batting average, a .355 on-base percentage, 15 home runs, and 45 RBIs over 290 plate appearances, with a wRC+ of 144 and 2.3 fWAR.

Laureano offers strong offensive numbers against all types of pitching, with an .801 OPS against left-handed pitchers and an exceptional .930 OPS against right-handers. His defensive skills, particularly his powerful throwing arm, enhance his value in left field for the Padres, replacing the less consistent Gavin Sheets in that spot.

This trade provides San Diego with a cost-effective option to maintain outfield strength amidst salary commitments to stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. Laureano’s consistent offensive output and defensive presence make him a key contributor to the Padres’ postseason lineup.

What Baltimore Gains in Return

In exchange for Laureano and O’Hearn, the Orioles acquired six minor leaguers with significant upside but minimal immediate impact on their major league roster. The players include infielder Cobb Hightower, left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman, right-handed pitcher Tyson Neighbors, outfielder Victor Figueroa, infielder Brandon Butterworth, and right-handed pitcher Tanner Smith.

Most of these players have yet to rise above A-ball, indicating Baltimore’s focus on rebuilding with future potential rather than immediate contributions this season or the next. Their development could bear fruit in the coming years as the Orioles continue to build their farm system under general manager Mike Elias.

A bat-first infielder with a great feel for the barrel, Hightower really impressed in the bridge league, looking more advanced at the plate than his prep peers. Hightower has the offensive ingredients to climb through the minors relatively quickly.

—Aram Leighton

A towering, hard-throwing lefty, Bateman is more of a thrower than a pitcher in the early going of his professional career, but the stuff is plenty projectable.

—Aram Leighton

Neighbors’ fastball sits in the mid 90s, averaging more than 20 inches of induced vertical break from a slightly above average release height, giving it elite ride. Working off of it is a gyro slider at 88-91 MPH that tunnels well off of his hoppy fastball from an over-the-top release. The two pitch combo will almost certainly play in a big league bullpen and Neighbors should climb through the Minor Leagues quickly.

—Aram Leighton

It’s early, but Figueroa looks like another potential late-round steal for the Padres flashing above average power to all fields.

—Aram Leighton

Brandon Butterworth and Tanner Smith round out the package, with Butterworth showing solid performance at A+ level and Smith providing right-handed relief pitching potential as he develops. Though these players are unlikely to impact the Orioles’ roster in the short term, the trade supports Baltimore’s strategy of accumulating promising talent for the future.

Implications for the Padres’ Playoff Push

By acquiring Ramón Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn, the Padres have significantly improved their roster depth without sacrificing any major league players. This tactical move is critical as San Diego maintains their grip on the final NL Wild Card spot, holding a three-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds.

Laureano’s combination of defensive prowess and offensive consistency offers a reliable outfield option, while O’Hearn’s versatility and strength against right-handed pitching add a new dimension to San Diego’s batting order. These additions complement the team’s existing core, including stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, and solidify their chances as they head deeper into the postseason.

The trade’s impact could be decisive in the Padres’ quest to advance beyond the Wild Card round, as increased lineup depth may counterbalance injuries or slumps that arise late in the season. A.J. Preller’s aggressive approach at this deadline reflects both caution and optimism, aiming to position the Friars as serious contenders in the National League.