MLB Trade Rumors: One AL Team Listed As Best Fit For Orioles' All-Star Slugger

July 09, 2025 ,
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O'Hearn reacts during 2025 game.

The Boston Red Sox may have dealt Rafael Devers, but they could soon replace his bat with another slugger: Ryan O’Hearn. 

ESPN’s latest trade deadline projections list O’Hearn as having an 85% chance of being moved, with Boston viewed as one of his “best fits” alongside the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers. 

O’Hearn, the lone All-Star from a struggling Baltimore Orioles team, is slashing .287 with an .839 OPS, 11 homers, and 30 RBIs through 299 plate appearances, making him a prime deadline rental before hitting free agency this winter.

Versatile, Productive, and Familiar with Boston’s Brass

O’Hearn’s blend of offensive consistency and defensive versatility makes him a seamless fit for the Red Sox. He’s started games at first base, designated hitter, and across the outfield, though Boston’s crowded outfield points to a first base or DH role. After Devers refused to move to first, Boston traded him and has since relied on Abraham Toro. While Toro has been solid, insiders like MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believe O’Hearn represents a significant upgrade. 

Interestingly, O’Hearn publicly thanked Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow after the Devers trade gave him a clearer path to an All-Star nod, offering a layer of familiarity that could smooth negotiations.

Could a Division Deal Actually Happen?

Deals between AL East rivals are rare, Boston and Baltimore haven’t traded since 2023, but circumstances could align. The Orioles sit at 40-49 and may opt to sell, while the Red Sox have surged to 47-45, winning six of their last seven. 

Still, Boston faces a daunting post-All-Star schedule against playoff-bound teams like the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. If they hold their own, O’Hearn becomes a logical buy-low option. 

With power, positional flexibility, and a team-friendly contract, he’s exactly the type of bat Boston might gamble on to stay in the Wild Card race.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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