Brewers Deal for O’Hearn Still Rumored: Is a New Power Bat Coming to Milwaukee?

By Oliver Wiener July 31, 2025 17:41

The Milwaukee Brewers remain active and alert at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, with strong rumors swirling about a potential acquisition of veteran power bat Ryan O’Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles. While no official announcement has been made, multiple trusted sources report Milwaukee’s interest in adding the versatile left-handed hitter as the Brewers seek to reinforce their offense for the final push to the postseason.

Ryan O’Hearn, a 32-year-old first baseman and outfielder, presents an intriguing offensive boost for Milwaukee. He is having a solid season with Baltimore, posting an overall OPS of .850, one of the best figures among regular Brewers hitters this year, particularly in left-handed power. O’Hearn has hit 12 home runs and driven in key runs, providing a lefty power presence that Milwaukee’s lineup has lacked the team’s left-handed hitters rank just 23rd in MLB for home runs at this stage. His expected ability to fill multiple roles first base, corner outfield, and designated hitter adds valuable roster flexibility to manager Matt Quatraro’s club. The Brewers have already bolstered their catching by acquiring Danny Jansen, and adding O’Hearn would further deepen a lineup that seeks to maintain its dominance atop the National League Central.

There are challenges in integrating O’Hearn into an already competitive Brewers roster. Andrew Vaughn, currently filling first base for the injured Rhys Hoskins, has impressed but sports an OPS near .650, and Rhys Hoskins’s expected return in mid-August will affect positional availability. Additionally, Isaac Collins has held down left field duties. Despite this, sources suggest O’Hearn could slide into a corner outfield spot or designated hitter role, potentially forming a platoon with Vaughn to maximize offensive output.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic cited Milwaukee as a “club looking at Orioles’ O’Hearn,” noting the player’s contact and power balance despite recent struggles at the plate, with a .218 batting average since late May but a sustained overall value as evidenced by his 2.0 bWAR this season. Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports underscored the fit, predicting O’Hearn's arrival would be an insurance policy at first base and a needed power upgrade. “Once Hoskins returns, O’Hearn can shift to a corner outfield spot,” Riley said, highlighting Milwaukee’s multi-positional plans.

O’Hearn’s expanding offensive profile also includes notable success against right-handed pitching, where he tends to produce his best numbers, an asset for the Brewers’ lineup construction. The expiring nature of his contract suggests Milwaukee sees him as a rental asset to add immediate impact without long-term financial commitment a classic trade deadline strategy for contenders.

From a strategic standpoint, the addition of a power left-handed bat complements Milwaukee’s balanced pitching staff and solid defense, helping the club withstand the pressures of a narrow division race. With strong performances from Christian Yelich and other core players, the Brewers are aiming to maintain their league-leading record through tactical upgrades and roster depth enhancements.

While the trade for O’Hearn remains a rumor pending the official deadline, the possibility of adding this potent bat signals Milwaukee’s clear intent: aggressive and calculated improvement aimed at advancing deep into October. As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Brewers fans anticipate a move that could be the missing piece in a lineup hungry for more power and versatility.

If completed, the trade represents a microcosm of MLB’s current trade market dynamic valuing positional flexibility, left-handed power, and affordable rentals in the uphill battle to October glory.