The Red Sox sit at 27-31 in the AL East basement, nine-and-a-half games behind the Yankees. It’s not where anyone in Boston wanted to be at this point.
Garrett Crochet has been solid on the mound, but the rest of the rotation? That’s been the problem. The bullpen’s hovering around league average ERA-wise, which isn’t terrible but isn’t helping much either.
Here’s what’s working: the offense has shown life in most spots. Here’s what isn’t: a glaring hole at cleanup and first base ever since Triston Casas ruptured his left patellar tendon on May 2.
Boston’s tried shuffling the deck internally. It hasn’t moved the needle.
But there’s an intriguing option sitting in their own division. Ryan O’Hearn from Baltimore could solve both problems – and he’s expected to be available at the trade deadline.
O’Hearn’s Having a Career Year
The 31-year-old right fielder/first baseman is putting up some eye-popping numbers for the Orioles. Sure, he’s only got 21 RBI, but Baltimore hasn’t exactly been an offensive juggernaut this year.
What matters more: O’Hearn’s slashing .338/.427/.550 through 46 games with nine home runs. That .977 OPS ranks fourth in all of baseball, trailing only Aaron Judge, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.
Let that sink in for a second.
Baltimore’s been using him more at DH and right field because of Ryan Mountcastle’s presence, but O’Hearn’s a natural first baseman. He’s an average defender there – which would still be an upgrade for Boston right now.
The Financial Side Makes Sense
O’Hearn’s making $8 million this season and he’ll hit unrestricted free agency after 2025. That’s manageable money for a team that needs to fill a cleanup spot and stabilize first base.
The question isn’t whether O’Hearn would help the Red Sox – it’s whether they’re willing to deal within the division. Baltimore’s been competitive but they’re not exactly running away with anything either. If they decide to sell, Boston should be making calls.
Sometimes the best solutions are hiding in plain sight. For the Red Sox, that solution might be wearing an Orioles uniform just a few hours down I-95.
