To DET: 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn
To SEA: RHP Teddy McGraw, RHP Chia-Shi Shen
A solidly productive platoon option in 2023 (368 PA, 122 OPS+, 14 HR, 60 RBI) and 2024 (494 PA, 120 OPS+, 15 HR, 59 RBI), Ryan O’Hearn has been arguably the best hitter on the Orioles this year. He’s posting a .293/.380/.473 line for a 144 OPS+ with 10 doubles, 11 home runs and 30 RBI.
Aside from his production at the plate, O’Hearn also provides some useful defensive versatility with the ability to play first base and both corner outfield spots. That lines up with what the Seattle Mariners need to bolster their lineup.
Donovan Solano (132 PA, 91 OPS+) has been serving as the team’s primary first baseman since Rowdy Tellez was cut loose, while the third starting outfield spot alongside Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena has been a revolving door since Victor Robles suffered a dislocated shoulder in April.
The Mariners have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. While a two-month rental of O’Hearn likely wouldn’t cost them a top 100-caliber prospect, they would still need to part with some quality pieces to outbid his other suitors.
Right-hander Teddy McGraw was a third-round pick in the 2023 draft despite being sidelined while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. His stuff is electric if he can stay healthy, and he has a 2.87 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 17 strikeouts over 15.2 innings in his return to the mound this year.
Fellow right-hander Chia-Shi Shen was signed for $175,000 out of Taiwan last July. He has a 3.09 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 38-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 32 innings between rookie ball and Single-A in his pro debut.