The Seattle Mariners entered Tuesday’s matchup against the Boston Red Sox with a 36-35 record. They’ve been locked in a season-long battle with the Houston Astros for control of the American League West.
As the trade deadline approaches, Seattle is expected to be active on the trade market. One potential trade partner that has emerged is the Baltimore Orioles. According to recent reports, the Mariners are interested in acquiring Ryan O’Hearn to take over first base duties from Rowdy Tellez.
Baltimore’s strategy for the deadline remains uncertain. Despite firing their manager after a rough start, the Orioles have yet to bounce back, leaving their front office with a decision to make about whether to buy or sell. The Mariners are hoping they choose the latter.
First base has been a weak spot for Seattle, with Tellez delivering a disappointing performance so far this season. O’Hearn, on the other hand, is having one of his best offensive years and could provide a much-needed boost to the middle of Seattle’s lineup.
While identifying O’Hearn as a target is straightforward, determining his trade value is trickier. The 31-year-old would likely be a short-term addition for the Mariners, which means the cost to acquire him could vary based on how motivated Seattle is and what Baltimore seeks in return. Tellez could serve as a stopgap option for the Orioles, but they’d likely want a prospect as part of the deal.
Here’s a hypothetical trade proposal that could work for both sides:
Orioles receive: 1B Rowdy Tellez, SP Michael Morales
Mariners receive: 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn
Why should the Mariners make this deal?
The Mariners boast one of the stronger offenses in Major League Baseball, with Cal Raleigh having an outstanding season. Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena have also bounced back from slow starts, forming a dangerous trio in the lineup.
Still, Rowdy Tellez hasn’t produced at the level the team needs. While his 11 home runs are solid, his .207 batting average heading into Tuesday’s game falls short of expectations.
Ryan O’Hearn would offer a valuable upgrade—he brings consistent contact hitting without sacrificing power. Though he trails Tellez by just one home run, his .306 average makes him a far more appealing option.
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If O’Hearn can maintain his performance in Seattle, he could be a versatile asset for manager Dan Wilson, slotting anywhere in the lineup. Defensively, he also offers a step up at first base—an increasingly important factor as the season progresses.
As for prospect Morales, the Mariners likely prefer to keep him, but the 22-year-old has been inconsistent outside of last season. Still in Double-A Arkansas, he’s projected to reach the majors in 2025. With Bryce Miller sidelined, there’s little chance Morales will make an impact this year, making him more valuable as a trade piece than a minor league arm for now.
Why should the Orioles make this deal?
O’Hearn joined the Orioles in 2023 and quickly won over fans with his veteran presence and steady play. He’s been one of the few bright spots for Baltimore this season, leading the team in batting average and on-base percentage, and ranking second in home runs as of Tuesday.
Despite his contributions, the Orioles are on the verge of falling out of contention in the AL East. With the trade deadline approaching, they may consider capitalizing on O’Hearn’s value before his contract expires.
Tellez isn’t necessarily an upgrade for Baltimore, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Like O’Hearn, he’s on an expiring deal, giving the Orioles the flexibility to re-sign him at a reasonable price without overpaying.
Morales, meanwhile, is a promising prospect who could thrive in Baltimore’s highly regarded player development system. With Grayson Rodriguez expected to return to the rotation in the second half, the team has opportunities to build toward the future.
After surprising the league in recent years, Baltimore has faced a harsh reality check in 2025. Still, if they choose to trade a veteran like O’Hearn, they could come out of the deadline in a strong position—especially if they secure someone like Morales. Regardless, the Mariners and other teams are likely to pursue O’Hearn, giving the Orioles several options to consider.
