O’Hearn debuted with the Royals in 2018, immediately impressing with a .262/.353/.597 slash line and 12 home runs in just 44 games. However, his production dipped over the next four seasons, hitting .211/.282/.351 between 2019 and 2022. A trade to the Orioles in January 2023 marked a turning point, as he became a valuable platoon player. In his first two years with Baltimore, O’Hearn posted a .275 batting average with a .329 OBP and .450 slugging, and in 2025, he has taken another step forward, recording a .290 average and .884 OPS through 259 at-bats.
O’Hearn has set multiple career highs, including games played, home runs, and RBI. His 2024 season saw him slash .264/.334/.427 with 15 home runs and 59 RBI over 142 games, also ranking in the 93rd percentile for strikeout rate (14.0%) according to Statcast. He led the American League in pinch-hit hits since 2019, tallying seven in 2024 alone. In postseason play, he appeared in both games of the 2024 AL Wild Card Series for the Orioles, going 1-for-2 with a walk.
In a recent move, O’Hearn was traded to the San Diego Padres alongside outfielder Ramon Laureano. This trade comes as O’Hearn is on pace for a career-best season, and with free agency approaching, his continued strong performance could earn him a lucrative contract. Despite being overshadowed by bigger trade names like Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor, O’Hearn’s high wRC+ in 2025 makes him a potentially underrated deadline acquisition, as highlighted by recent reports.
O’Hearn’s journey from early success, through struggles, and now resurgence with the Orioles and Padres, showcases his resilience and ability to adapt. If he continues this form, he could play a key role for San Diego down the stretch and into free agency.