As the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline comes closer and closer, the San Francisco Giants are zeroing in on the pressing need of a reliable first baseman. With their offense lacking when needed, the Giants have designated LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment and have turned to journeyman Dominic Smith as a stopgap.
But with top prospect Bryce Eldridge still developing in Triple-A, San Francisco is scouring the trade market for a short-term solution. At the top of their list is a Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star candidate, whose versatility and bat make him a prime target.
San Francisco Giants Eyeing Ryan O’Hearn as a Solution To Their First Base Woes
San Francisco’s offense has been a weak link. Wade’s 2025 struggles with a .167/.275/.271 slash line resulted in his exit. Smith, slashing .247/.321/.370 over the past two seasons, is a temporary fix, but the Giants need more firepower to stay competitive in the stacked NL West. Eldridge, a 20-year-old first-rounder, is tearing up Triple-A with a .280/.350/.512 line, but he’s not major league ready, according to experts.
The streak’s alive 🚂 pic.twitter.com/xN7fk3KUqB
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 12, 2025
Ryan O’Hearn, 31, has emerged as Baltimore’s best trade chip and a potential All-Star, and he is the Giants’ main target for plugging their gaps. His .316/.397/.500 slash line, nine homers, and 158 OPS+ make him a strong fit.
O’Hearn’s ability to play first base, corner outfield, and DH makes him a versatile fit for the Giants’ lineup. With O’Hearn’s $8 million club option for 2025 exercised, the Orioles, out of playoff contention, will most likely sell.
Other Options On The Table
The Giants aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Other first-base targets include Nathaniel Lowe of the Nationals, Yandy Díaz of the Rays, and Josh Naylor of the Guardians. Lowe’s consistent bat and Díaz’s contact skills are very appealing at this time, but Naylor’s power could just be the answer.
However, O’Hearn stands out for his immediate impact and affordability, especially as a bridge to Eldridge. The Giants could also explore extending O’Hearn as a long-term DH if he fits their plans.
With only five teams—the Athletics, White Sox, Pirates, Marlins, and Rockies—firmly out of the playoff race, the trade market is tight. Contenders like the Giants are banking on teams like the Orioles to sell, but deals may not materialize until after the All-Star break.
For San Francisco, O’Hearn could be the answer to keep pace with the Dodgers and Padres. As president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, navigates his first deadline; a bold move for O’Hearn might show the Giants’ intent to contend now and in the future.