The Baltimore Orioles are set up to be sellers at the trade deadline. They will likely be willing to part with some expiring contracts, and Ryan O’Hearn fits the bill.
O’Hearn has played first base and in the outfield this year. He is a versatile option for contenders, and FanSided’s Mark Powell said he was an Orioles player who was “as good as gone.” Powell also predicted that O’Hearn would land with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Brewers have lost their starting first baseman, Rhys Hoskins, until mid to late August with a thumb sprain. Andrew Vaughn, who was acquired earlier this year, has looked good in his first few games with the team at first base. However, O’Hearn could be a better option for the team, as they look for more power.
“While the Milwaukee Brewers did just add Andrew Vaughn, should he falter O’Hearn would be a valuable addition for a team looking to make a serious playoff push,” wrote Powell. “At worst, O’Hearn doubles as a right fielder and can play some DH in a lineup that could use some pop.”
O’Hearn has a .286/.378/.462 slash line with 11 home runs. Hoskins has been one of the better power bats in the Brewers’ lineup, so even if he figures to reclaim first base, O’Hearn could be of use to the Brewers. Isaac Collins has actually been great for the Brewers this year, but the Brewers could be willing to take at-bats away from him in favor of O’Hearn, who has played left field this year as well.
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If Vaughn begins to struggle, the Brewers could simply deploy O’Hearn at first base while Hoskins is out and figure out where to play him later after Hoskins returns. The Brewers would have multiple options if they added O’Hearn. He would be insurance in case Collins starts to regress or if Hoskins is not the same after his injury. The Brewers would simply find a way to get his .840 OPS in the lineup.
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