TL;DR
- Ryan O'Hearn was acquired by the San Diego Padres with expectations of being an above-average player.
- Despite a 105 OPS+ with the Padres, his extra-base hits decreased significantly compared to his time with the Orioles.
- Sports Illustrated suggested the Cincinnati Reds as a potential team to invest in O'Hearn as a regular starter.
- O'Hearn's bat-to-ball skill and defense provide a high production floor, with potential for 25 home runs at Great American Ball Park.
When the San Diego Padres landed Ryan O'Hearn at the trade deadline in a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, the idea was for him to come in and be an above-average player in San Diego. It felt like, at times, that wasn't the case for whatever reason, although his numbers weren't horrible.
Despite a 105 OPS+ in 50 games with The Padres, O'Hearn's 10 extra-base hits paled in comparison to his 28 with The Orioles in the first half. However, given his status as an All-Star in 2025, a team should be prepared to invest in the 32-year-old as a regular starter.
Will Laws of Sports Illustrated proposed that the Cincinnati Reds might be the team for the former Padres veteran.
“A feel-good breakout hitter in his age-31 season, O’Hearn absolutely raked for the Orioles in the first half before returning to his career norm upon being traded to the Padres—that is, a slightly above-average hitter at first base. There’s a good chance 2025 will be the only year he ever makes it to the All-Star Game, and a true World Series contender will likely want more from his position. But the lefty’s bat-to-ball skill and commendable defense at least gives him a high production floor,” he wrote.
The Reds might find O'Hearn an interesting choice, particularly considering the compact dimensions of Great American Ball Park.
He possesses some power, though not an abundance. Nevertheless, if he were to play a full year at Great American Ball Park, hitting 25 home runs wouldn't be an unexpected outcome.
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