The Houston Astros have been the most resilient team in Major League Baseball this season. After letting Alex Bregman walk in free agency and trading away Kyle Tucker, nobody thought the Astros would find success. Also, in a season riddled with injuries, Houston has weathered the storm, backed by two of the best starters in baseball, Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown, and a strong bullpen. They are now the leaders of the American League West in comfortable fashion and have their eyes on another deep postseason run.
With four days left until the MLB trade deadline, the Astros’ biggest need is left-handed bats, and they still have a chance to acquire one. The Baltimore Orioles are expected to sell off, or at least listen to offers on all of their players on expiring contracts, and the Astros could be the beneficiary of them selling.
Astros Trade Idea Lands Ryan O’Hearn
The Baltimore Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn has had numerous trade rumors over the last few months, and now that it’s here, many expect him to be moved. O’Hearn was named to his first All-Star appearance this July after a strong first half of the season. The 32-year-old first baseman has 12 home runs this season and is batting .282 through 91 games.
O’Hearn fits the description of a rental option as he’s set to be a free agent after this season.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com provides a compelling case as to why O’Hearn may be on the move:
“Orioles GM Mike Elias is focused on trading his expiring contracts — and there are plenty of them to move — but the versatile OâHearn figures to be one of the most appealing as he continues his career-best season. OâHearn, who turns 32 on Saturday, has an .827 OPS and 134 OPS + in 89 games this season, ranking in the top quarter of the league in both strikeout and walk percentages. Heâs been excellent against right-handers (.874 OPS) and could be a good first base/DH platoon candidate for a contending team.”
For the Houston Astros, they already have Christian Walker as their first baseman, so O’Hearn would have to move to Designated Hitter, which I’m sure he would have no problem doing. Victor Carintini is currently the Astros’ DH, but O’Hearn would certainly be an upgrade.
What Would Houston Give Up for O’Hearn?
Considering that O’Hearn’s contract is set to expire and could potentially test free agency after this season, the Houston Astros wouldn’t have to give up as much trade capital.
A good return package could include outfield prospect Joseph Sullivan or right-handed pitcher Ethan Pecko. Both prospects are a year or two away from the big league level, and one of the Baltimore Orioles’ biggest needs is young pitching talent.
O’Hearn has yet to hit more than 15 home runs in a season in his career, but he looks to be on his way after a strong start to the season. By being dealt to the Astros, O’Hearn would get another taste of playoff baseball.
In the final days before the July 31st deadline, expect the Astros to make a deal or two to acquire either a lefty bat or another infielder that can provide some offensive production.
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