All-Star first baseman/designated hitter/right fielder Ryan O’Hearn is headed for free agency after the season, making him a logical trade chip as the Orioles continue to underperform in 2025. However, despite the team’s struggles, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports that Baltimore is setting a “very high” asking price for O’Hearn — though that could be typical deadline leverage with just a couple hours left before trades must be finalized.
O’Hearn, 32, has turned in a strong season overall, posting a 134 wRC+ across 361 plate appearances. Still, much of that production came early; since the start of June, he’s cooled considerably, managing just a 92 wRC+. Additionally, he’s not a full-time option — the Orioles have largely shielded him from left-handed pitching, using him almost exclusively in a platoon role.
Given those limitations, Baltimore’s high demands may seem ambitious. But with power bats in short supply this summer, O’Hearn remains one of the more appealing options available. The Rangers have been mentioned as a possible destination, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network, though Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News has cast doubt on that fit. Meanwhile, the Brewers have been linked to him recently, and Feinsand notes that the Astros also showed interest — though Houston is now said to be more focused on acquiring Jesus Sanchez from the Marlins.
O’Hearn is making $8 million this season, with roughly $2.5 million still owed. Since he’s not a candidate to receive a qualifying offer — which is projected to exceed $21 million in 2026 — Baltimore is under some pressure to move him before the deadline in order to extract any meaningful return.
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