Best Team Fits for Orioles’ All-Star Ryan O’Hearn Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline: Left-Handed Bat Could Boost Playoff Contenders.
As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, contenders are on the hunt for proven talent that can provide immediate impact. One name quietly drawing attention across the league is Baltimore Orioles All-Star first baseman and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn. Known for his power from the left side and steady veteran presence, O’Hearn is putting together a strong campaign for an Orioles team hovering around playoff contention. But with the franchise potentially eyeing long-term roster flexibility and younger talent, O’Hearn could be on the move—and several contenders would benefit from acquiring his bat.
In this article, we’ll examine why O’Hearn is an attractive trade target, break down his season so far, and identify the best team fits for the veteran slugger ahead of the July 30 deadline.
Why Ryan O’Hearn Is a Trade Target
O’Hearn is having one of the best years of his career. Through late July, he’s slashing .281/.340/.505 with 16 home runs and 52 RBI. He’s been especially productive against right-handed pitching, boasting an OPS near .900 in those matchups. His left-handed power is rare in today’s game, and he’s delivered multiple clutch hits for Baltimore throughout the season.
Beyond the numbers, O’Hearn brings intangibles: postseason experience, leadership in the clubhouse, and versatility at first base and designated hitter. With a relatively affordable contract and the ability to hit in key situations, he’s a plug-and-play solution for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Baltimore, meanwhile, has internal options like Heston Kjerstad, Coby Mayo, and other corner bats ready for more at-bats. Trading O’Hearn could net them prospects while clearing space for the next wave of talent.
1. Houston Astros
The Astros have made a strong second-half push in the AL West and are in need of offensive reinforcements. José Abreu’s struggles at first base have forced Houston to platoon lesser bats, and the team’s overall OPS against right-handers ranks in the bottom third of the league.
O’Hearn would provide the Astros with a consistent left-handed bat who could start at first or DH depending on matchups. Minute Maid Park’s short porch in right field could turn O’Hearn into a nightly home run threat.
Fit Grade: A-
Trade Possibility: High, especially if the Orioles prioritize pitching prospects.
2. Seattle Mariners
Seattle has relied heavily on young pitching to stay afloat in a tight AL West race, but their offense has been inconsistent, especially at DH and first base. The Mariners rank near the bottom in team batting average and on-base percentage, making O’Hearn an ideal candidate to lengthen their lineup.
He would slot nicely into the middle of the order alongside Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, giving Seattle much-needed depth. His postseason experience also adds value to a Mariners team seeking its first deep October run in decades.
Fit Grade: B+
Trade Possibility: Moderate to High, depending on Baltimore’s ask.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are leading the NL Central but remain offensively challenged, particularly against right-handed pitching. Their current platoon at first base and DH has not delivered consistent results, and the lineup often leans too heavily on Christian Yelich and Willy Adames.
O’Hearn would bring power and stability, especially useful in a postseason series against elite right-handers. Additionally, Milwaukee has a strong farm system and might be willing to deal from it to address their most glaring need.
Fit Grade: A
Trade Possibility: High, especially if the Brewers look to capitalize on a wide-open division.
4. New York Yankees
The Yankees have surged in the AL East, but left-handed balance remains a problem in their otherwise powerful lineup. With Anthony Rizzo sidelined and struggling prior to his injury, the Yankees could use a lefty bat with some pop and positional flexibility.
O’Hearn offers just that. He’d thrive in Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, particularly with the short right-field fence. While he wouldn’t be a long-term solution at first base, he could be the missing piece for a team with World Series aspirations this season.
Fit Grade: A-
Trade Possibility: Moderate, depending on luxury tax concerns and prospect negotiations.
5. San Francisco Giants
San Francisco has stayed competitive in the NL Wild Card race despite offensive inconsistency. The Giants have cycled through several options at DH and first base, and O’Hearn could offer stability and leadership.
Oracle Park isn’t ideal for left-handed power, but O’Hearn’s gap-to-gap approach and veteran mentality could still thrive. His ability to work counts and drive in runs would complement San Francisco’s contact-oriented lineup.
Fit Grade: B
Trade Possibility: Moderate, if the Giants see themselves as true buyers.
6. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are World Series contenders with a powerful lineup, but there’s an argument to be made that they could use O’Hearn as a left-handed DH/first base insurance policy. With Bryce Harper playing more first base this season and Kyle Schwarber often limited to DH, O’Hearn would add depth and flexibility—especially in the event of injury.
He could also spell Harper occasionally at first, or step into DH against right-handed pitching, giving the Phillies a more balanced look in October.
Fit Grade: B+
Trade Possibility: Low to Moderate, depending on their urgency to add offensive depth.
7. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are chasing the Guardians in the AL Central and desperately need offensive help from the left side. With first base production below league average and their lineup overly reliant on Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa, adding O’Hearn could help balance the offensive attack.
Target Field doesn’t overly favor power hitters, but O’Hearn’s approach could translate well in Minnesota. He also fits the Twins’ front office mold—veteran, cost-controlled, and productive against righties.
Fit Grade: B+
Trade Possibility: Moderate, especially if the Orioles seek pitching depth in return.
Whether or not the Orioles ultimately decide to move Ryan O’Hearn will depend on several factors—most notably their record in the final week before the trade deadline, the development of internal bats, and the market for left-handed power hitters.
O’Hearn isn’t a blockbuster name, but for contending teams with a clear weakness against right-handed pitching or a need at DH/1B, he could be a difference-maker. His current form, postseason experience, and clubhouse reputation make him one of the more valuable under-the-radar names as July 30 looms.
If Baltimore believes they can replace his bat internally while bolstering their pitching staff or farm system, a trade makes sense. But if the Orioles stay hot and push deeper into the playoff race, O’Hearn might just remain a key piece of their postseason dreams.
Either way, Ryan O’Hearn’s bat is one to watch. And for several contending teams, it could be the exact boost they need.
