The Mets can realistically trade for Ryan O'Hearn
After a handful of unimpressive seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Ryan O'Hearn broke out in 2023 and 2024 for the Baltimore Orioles. He put up a 117 wRC+ over his first 862 plate appearances with the O's. However, now O'Hearn is getting the All-Star nod as the American League's starting designated hitter.
O'Hearn definitely earned the starting spot after he batted .286/.382/.458 through 319 trips to the dish. O'Hearn is hitting for solid power, with 11 home runs and a .172 isolated slugging percentage. O'Hearn is only striking out at a 16.3% rate, and is pairing that with a career-high 12.2% walk percentage. Overall, he has a .366 wOBA and 138 wRC+.
O'Hearn has seen playing time at first base, both outfield corners, and designated hitter. He has graded out as an above-average glove at the infield corner position, with +2 DRS and a whopping +6 OAA. However, he has just -3 DRS and -1 OAA in less than 150 innings in the outfield. He has also started 29 games at DH this year.
O'Hearn's trade candidacy to the Mets depends on Jesse Winker's condition. Winker missed nearly all of May and the entirety of June with an oblique injury. While he returned earlier this month, he only appeared in two games before hitting the IL again, this time with back inflammation. Both O'Hearn and Winker are left-handed hitting platoon bats. However, if Winker is expected to miss yet another extended period of time, O'Hearn becomes a prime trade candidate for the Mets.