The Baltimore Orioles are in the midst of a dreadful season. They are 37-49 and sit in last place in the American League East.
Their Wild Card outlook doesn't look much better either. They are eight games back of the final spot.
This means that Baltimore will likely be sellers at the trade deadline, moving certain assets on expiring contracts to strengthen the farm system.
In Jim Bowden's latest survey in The Athletic, slugger Ryan O'Hearn was considered a likely trade candidate by most executives.
"If the Orioles become sellers, O’Hearn could end up being the trade deadline headliner for Baltimore," Bowden writes.
"O’Hearn’s best position is DH, but he can play first base and left field as well. The 31-year-old is making only $8 million this year, which enhances his trade value."
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The Orioles have gotten a little bit of everything out of O'Hearn this season. He is slashing .294/.381/.472 with 11 home runs, 30 RBI and an .853 OPS.
Rental pieces on cheap, expiring contracts tend to hold a lot of value at trade deadlines, and O'Hearn is no different. He has been one of the few bright spots for Baltimore this season.
But there will be several teams that come calling the Orioles about his possible services. Teams will need a left-handed power bat to boost their lineups.
Unless the Orioles turn things around quickly, they will more than likely be sellers at the trade deadline. O'Hearn might just be their top trade candidate.
We'll see if Baltimore gets a good offer for him.