It's the age-old story: the trade deadline is approaching, and the Seattle Mariners are looking for offense.
Seattle's lineup actually got off to a torrid start to the 2025 season, but they've cooled off of late. Their .727 team OPS, which is tied for ninth in Major League Baseball, could keep dropping if they don't upgrade the offense.
Catcher Cal Raleigh has been amazing, and might even challenge Aaron Judge for the Most Valuable Player Award. But he needs someone to bat in the cleanup spot behind him, and it doesn't much matter what position that new player occupies.
One baseball writer sees the Mariners going after one of the biggest bats that projects to be available.
On Friday, Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated predicted that the Mariners would acquire Baltimore Orioles designated hitter/first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn, who leads his team with an OPS of .869 and will likely be a first-time All-Star this summer.
"O’Hearn has been among the few bright spots in what’s been a dismal season in Baltimore. After posting a respectable 119 wRC+ from 2023 to ‘24, his 149 mark to start the year ranks as the sixth-highest in the American League," Selbe wrote.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
"He’s a free agent after this season, so likely wouldn’t cost much to acquire, and could be a middle-of-the-order bat to boost a contending team’s lineup. Prediction: Traded to Mariners."
O'Hearn's resurgence with the Orioles upon being designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals after 2022 has been impressive to watch. And the Orioles have made the playoffs in each of his two full seasons, so he's no stranger to a pennant chase.
Seattle could use him at any of his three positions, with a hefty DH timeshare likely, and he'd be a major boost to the offense at a time when the Mariners need one.
More MLB: Dodgers predicted to acquire Cy Young Award winner in deadline blockbuster