Padres Acquire Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano in Deal With Orioles

The San Diego Padres have continued their roster reshaping ahead of the 2025 MLB season, landing veteran first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramón Laureano from the Baltimore Orioles in a multi-player trade. This move signals the Padres’ determination to bolster their lineup with both power and defensive reliability as they aim to remain competitive in the National League West.

According to sources close to the negotiations, the trade was finalized late Wednesday night, with San Diego sending a package of minor league prospects to Baltimore in exchange for the two proven major league contributors. While the Orioles have not yet released the complete details of the return, the move aligns with Baltimore’s ongoing strategy of capitalizing on veteran players to strengthen their already promising farm system.

Why the Padres Made the Move

The Padres have been in search of additional left-handed power and outfield depth throughout the offseason. After a 2024 campaign that fell short of expectations, the team’s front office knew it needed to add more offensive balance and veteran experience to the roster. Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano provide exactly that.

O’Hearn, 31, enjoyed a strong 2024 season with Baltimore, posting a .289 batting average, 19 home runs, and 74 RBIs across 122 games. His ability to play both first base and corner outfield positions gives San Diego valuable lineup flexibility. In particular, O’Hearn’s left-handed bat will complement the Padres’ right-heavy core, giving manager Mike Shildt more matchup options against tough right-handed pitching.

Laureano, 30, brings elite defensive skills and a track record of clutch hitting. Best known for his time with the Oakland Athletics before joining the Orioles, Laureano has a career .247 batting average with 82 home runs, 273 RBIs, and 67 stolen bases. His cannon-like arm and range in the outfield make him a valuable asset for a Padres team that has struggled with outfield defense in recent seasons. Even if Laureano does not produce at an All-Star level at the plate, his defensive presence could save San Diego crucial runs over the course of the season.

Fit With the Padres’ 2025 Roster

San Diego’s roster entering spring training already featured sluggers like Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts. However, the lineup lacked consistent left-handed power since the departure of Juan Soto and the struggles of some bench pieces last season. O’Hearn’s bat can slot anywhere from the middle to the lower half of the order, providing protection for the team’s stars.

Meanwhile, Laureano could platoon in right or center field, giving the Padres defensive stability while also allowing Tatís Jr. occasional opportunities to rotate between the outfield and infield. His speed and athleticism will also be a factor on the basepaths, an area where the Padres underperformed in 2024.

General manager A.J. Preller has been aggressive in retooling the roster this winter, adding role players who can make an immediate impact. By landing O’Hearn and Laureano, he has addressed two of the team’s most pressing needs: power from the left side and outfield defense.

Orioles’ Perspective on the Trade

For Baltimore, the decision to part ways with O’Hearn and Laureano was not made lightly. Both players played key roles in the Orioles’ recent competitive seasons, but the team is now leaning into its next wave of young talent. With top prospects like Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad pushing for everyday roles, the Orioles saw an opportunity to convert veterans into long-term assets.

Trading O’Hearn and Laureano also clears salary and roster spots for younger players to get extended opportunities in 2025. By all indications, Baltimore’s focus is on sustaining success for years to come rather than holding onto mid-30s veterans as the farm system matures.

If the unnamed minor league players heading to Baltimore develop as projected, this could become a win-win trade for both organizations—San Diego gets immediate help, and Baltimore continues to stockpile for the future.

What It Means for the NL West Race

The NL West remains one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be the favorites, while the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks are also improving. The Padres, who finished third in 2024, hope that strategic additions like O’Hearn and Laureano will help them close the gap.

Both players bring playoff experience, which could prove invaluable if San Diego makes another October run. O’Hearn’s left-handed power plays well in Petco Park, and Laureano’s defensive highlight-reel potential is a perfect fit for the ballpark’s spacious outfield.

With spring training approaching, the Padres’ front office seems confident that this trade will elevate the team’s competitiveness without sacrificing its long-term vision. Fans are eager to see how O’Hearn and Laureano adapt to their new environment, and early indications suggest both are ready to contribute from Day 1.