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Ryan O’Hearn nearly landed with Brewers at deadline
Ryan O’Hearn nearly landed with Brewers at deadline 1 Aug 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn (32) earns an RBI walk during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Ryan O’Hearn ended up being dealt from the Baltimore Orioles to the San Diego Padres at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, but reports suggest the Milwaukee Brewers were also in serious consideration as a potential landing spot.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Ryan O’Hearn said several Brewers players, including DL Hall, texted him before the deadline to let him know they had pushed for him, saying, “Hey, we put in a good offer for you.” With that in mind, O’Hearn decided to stay in Baltimore on the eve of the deadline instead of traveling with the Orioles to Chicago.

Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton, who was later dealt to Detroit, also stayed behind.

“There were so many rumors. I was thinking it could be Boston. Boston was right up the street. Why am I going to fly to Chicago? I was just like screw it, I’ll stay here,” O’Hearn continued.

O’Hearn shared that he asked Orioles GM Mike Elias if a trade to one of the Texas clubs was possible so he could be nearer to his home in Dallas, but Elias wasn’t able to arrange it.

Ryan O’Hearn heading to the Padres instead of the Brewers


Ryan O’Hearn nearly landed with Brewers at deadline 2 Aug 22, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn (32) celebrates with the dugout after hitting a single during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Outfielder Ramón Laureano, meanwhile, reasoned that staying in the middle of the country would give him quick access to either coast if a trade went through. That decision worked in his favor. After O’Hearn learned he was heading to San Diego, he had to travel from Baltimore to meet the Padres. Both players were caught off guard by the move, and Laureano was particularly shocked to find himself dealt alongside O’Hearn.

The Orioles received six of the Padres’ 2024 draft picks in exchange for O’Hearn and Laureano, highlighted by 19-year-old left-hander Boston Bateman, a second-round selection who now sits at No. 9 on Baltimore’s prospect list, per MLB.com.


Ryan O’Hearn nearly landed with Brewers at deadline 3 Aug 1, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pinch hitter Ryan O’Hearn (32) is hit by a pitch during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Chadd Cady-Imagn Images

As of Monday, the Padres are level with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West and hold a comfortable cushion in the Wild Card race.

“If I go to the playoffs and World Series, I figure I’ll be fine in free agency. Teams want to see you perform in the postseason. This team is going to get there,” O’Hearn remarked.

The outfielder and DH has regained his Baltimore-level production. In 20 games with the Padres, he owns a .255 average, an .818 OPS, and three home runs, even after a difficult opening stretch. He began just 3-for-22 (.136) in his first nine games before finding his rhythm and going on a strong surge.

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

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