Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Red Sox Trade Idea Grabs $8 Million Slugger After Rafael Devers News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 2:10 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox do not necessarily need another left-handed hitter in their lineup. Already consisting of Rafael Devers, Jaren Duran, and top prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, Boston surpasses most teams’ benchmarks. Yet that did not stop The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal from suggesting the Red Sox make a run at Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn during the July 31 trade deadline.

Rosenthal justifies his words by pointing to Boston’s 19th-ranked OPS at first base and the season-ending injury to Triston Casas as reasons to target O’Hearn. He adds that Devers, after multiple disputes with the front office, is unlikely to move to first base, making a trade deadline upgrade more pressing.

The Red Sox have been playing first base by committee, with Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro primarily splitting time. The two veterans have combined for a staggering .335 batting average, six home runs, and 26 RBIs. With their success, why should Boston make a change?

Rosenthal believes O’Hearn, and his 16th-ranked OPS-plus, could be a difference maker in Boston’s lineup while adding a consistent presence rather than a platoon.

This season, O’Hearn is batting .307 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs and will likely be the Orioles representative in the 2025 All-Star game. Although Baltimore is not a guaranteed seller, O’Hearn could be a hot commodity on the trade market.

He is in the midst of a career season, and if Boston continues their uptick in play (5-2 in the last seven games), O’Hearn could further solidify their lineup next to Devers, Duran, Anthony, and the returning Alex Bregman. While it may not be the most obvious move to make, knowing Boston’s desire for pitching and right-handed hitting, acquiring O’Hearn is one they should at least entertain.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: