Padres' Left Fielder Pursuit Could Lead Them to $28 Million Orioles Slugger
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The San Diego Padres' search for a left fielder continues as the trade deadline gets closer.
General manager A.J. Preller isn't expected to let the deadline pass without addressing the position, and the Padres have some work to do in the National League Wild Card race. Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman and Eno Sarris of The Athletic list the Padres as a team that needs to add hitters.
"Thanks to a deeper NL Central than anyone anticipated, the Padres have dropped out of playoff position in the last week," they wrote. "And that places a spotlight on their position of obvious, glaring need: left field. San Diego's offensive numbers in left have gotten better since it started playing Gavin Sheets out there, but that's left the defense compromised and only helps the lineup so much when Sheets' bat is replaced at DH by José Iglesias or Trenton Brooks."
The Padres know they have to find a strong bat with competent defense in left field, and Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles could be their match.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 01: Ryan O'Hearn #32 of the Baltimore Orioles swings his bat during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 01, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 01: Ryan O'Hearn #32 of the Baltimore Orioles swings his bat during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 01, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.O'Hearn entered Thursday with a slash line of .294/.381/.472 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI. The 31-year-old slugger was just named the starting designated hitter for the American League in the upcoming All-Star game.
While he has primarily played first base for the Orioles this year, he's been utilized in the outfield more than ever before as Baltimore looks to increase his trade value. The Padres know there is extra pressure to get deals done before the deadline.
"Right now eight National League teams are on pace to win 87 games, which means some good teams won't be playing into October," the trio wrote. "That puts extra emphasis on the upgrades available for the home stretch."
O'Hearn would be a strong fit for the Padres as they could greatly benefit from his offensive work. He's a league-average defender in left field over 16 innings of work this season. In right field, he's slightly below league average in 112 innings.
San Diego may not find the "perfect" solution, but O'Hearn is about as good as the Padres may be able to get. He's owed the remainder of his $8 million club option this year before hitting free agency, so San Diego would not have to cough up much to get the deal done.
More MLB: Angels' $105 Million Infielder Named 'Possible Trade Target' for Yankees
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