The San Diego Padres were aggressive at this year’s trade deadline, adding several pieces to their roster.
Their acquisitions included Athletics reliever Mason Miller, Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, and veterans Ramon Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn from the Orioles, along with pitcher Nestor Cortes via the Brewers.
The new additions have already made an impact, particularly O’Hearn and Laureano, who have seen consistent playing time.
O’Hearn has appeared in 20 games for San Diego, hitting three homers and driving in 10 runs while splitting duties between designated hitter and first base.
Before the trade, O’Hearn had asked Orioles GM Mike Elias to move him closer to home in Dallas, ideally to either the Houston Astros or Texas Rangers.
He also thought Milwaukee or Boston were possible destinations, and even received a text from Brewers pitcher DL Hall saying the team had made a strong offer.
In the midst of swirling rumors, O’Hearn and Charlie Morton stayed in Baltimore instead of traveling with the team to Chicago right before the deadline.
Ryan O’Hearn,
“There were so many rumors,” O’Hearn said. “I thought it could be Boston. Boston was close by. Why fly to Chicago? I just decided to stay put.”
Now, O’Hearn is contributing to a Padres team battling near the top of the NL West, though he’ll hit free agency after the season.
