The San Diego Padres were one of the busier buyers ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of July. One player the team traded for was first baseman Ryan O’Hearn.
O’Hearn, along with outfielder Ramon Laureano, were traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the San Diego Padres in exchange for six minor league prospects that included Boston Bateman, Tyson Neighbors, Tanner Smith, Brandon Butterworth, Cobb Hightower, and Victor Figueroa.
The move was made by San Diego to bolster the depth of their batting lineup. General manager A.J. Preller believes that 2025 is a season in which the Padres have a chance of contending for the World Series title.
Ryan O’Hearn comments on reduced role with new team
Before being acquired by the Padres in July, O’Hearn was having a career year with the Baltimore Orioles. His .283 batting average, .374 on-base percentage, .524 slugging percentage, and .896 OPS were impressive enough for him to earn his first All-Star bid of his eight-year career.
The 32-year-old has exclusively been in the lineup when the Padres go against right-handed pitchers. A role that was much different than his everyday job with the Orioles. O’Hearn spoke on the situation with his new team.
“My mindset shifts from worrying more about my numbers and free agency coming up and things like that over the last couple of weeks to when I get here it’s more about, you know, ‘How can I help the team win?’ And that’s such a cliche statement. It’s true, whether it’s a sacrifice, working a walk, pinch-hitting, whatever it may be. I think ultimately that’s good for everybody,” The 2025 All-Star told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Through 42 at-bats since being traded on July 31, O’Hearn has been very productive, having a .262 batting average, .373 on-base percentage, .525 slugging percentage, and a .896 OPS while hitting three home runs and 10 RBI.
