The Padres continued their extremely busy Deadline day by trading for O’s All-Star Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramón Laureano, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Thursday. The clubs have not confirmed the deal.
When O’Hearn was traded from Kansas City to Baltimore on Jan. 3, 2023, in exchange for cash considerations, his career was about to take a turn for the better. It wasn’t immediately evident at the time, though, as he was designated for assignment two days later and didn’t make the Orioles’ Opening Day roster in Spring Training that year.
But once O’Hearn got a prolonged run with the O’s later that season, he solidified his role as an everyday big leaguer capable of playing first base and corner outfield, though he mostly thrived as a designated hitter. He became a leader while helping Baltimore reach the postseason in both ‘23 and ‘24, as his left-handed bat was a reliable presence in the heart of the order. It was a positive development after struggling to stick in the Majors for much of his five-year tenure with the Royals from 2018-22.
O’Hearn is now having a career year in 2025, becoming a first-time All-Star when he was voted to be the starting DH for the American League. In the first half of the season, the 31-year-old hit .286 with 14 doubles, 11 home runs, 34 RBIs and an .840 OPS over 82 games.
O’Hearn is set to become a free agent after the season, and his performance this year could put him in line for a big payday, as he’s likely to ink a multi-year deal.
