The Boston Red Sox lost two out of three games to the Chicago Cubs over the weekend, but picked up a huge win on Sunday to avoid a sweep at Wrigley Field.
The team is 54-47 and currently holds the third American League Wild Card spot. They also are just five games back in the AL East.
However, they have some needs to address. They're going to need some help offensively.
First base is a clear need with Triston Casas out for the season. Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN listed the Red Sox as a possible fit for Ryan O'Hearn.
"O'Hearn is having an out-of-nowhere career year, with an OPS+ of 135 (and with the underlying metrics to support that) along with being on pace for a career high in homers. He doesn't face lefty pitchers much, and his splits suggest that he shouldn't."
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O'Hearn has put up some very strong numbers this season. The 31-year-old slugger is hitting .282/.378/.458 with 12 home runs, 36 RBI and an .835 OPS.
The veteran was named an All-Star for the first time this season. Fenway Park is hitter friendly, and could benefit O'Hearn down the stretch as a left-handed hitter.
The Orioles are well out of contention and O'Hearn is on an expiring contract, so he is an obvious trade candidate. While trades within the same division are rare, they aren't impossible.
The veteran first baseman would check a lot of boxes for the Red Sox as they try to improve down the stretch. They have played well since trading Rafael Devers and could benefit from another left-handed presence.
It will be interesting to see if they give Baltimore a call on O'Hearn.
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