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With the July 31 trade deadline less than two months away, teams have started to separate themselves in the standings.
The season hasn’t started as some would have hoped, and now they will have to determine if they will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
Here are three hitters that should be on every team’s radar looking to upgrade at the deadline.
Ryan O’Hearn, Baltimore Orioles, designated hitter
2025 stats: .335/.423/.538 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 50 games
Recently mentioned by ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan as a player likely to garner interest from other teams, O’Hearn could be one of the most underrated bats in baseball. On pace to set career highs in nearly every hitting statistic, the left-handed hitting slugger has shown the ability to be a complete hitter at the plate.
While O’Hearn spends a good amount of time at designated hitter for the Orioles, he is capable of playing first base or a corner outfield spot.
With the Orioles at the bottom of the American League East division and O’Hearn already being 31 years old, it makes the most sense to ship him out at the deadline to restock the farm system with players more on the franchise timeline.
Dane Myers, Miami Marlins, outfielder
2025 stats: .305/.353/.442 with three home runs, 14 RBI and seven stolen bases in 34 games
Off to another abysmal start, the Marlins have not had very many bright spots early in the season, but one of those bright spots is centerfielder Myers.
After flashing potential of being an everyday outfielder in 66 games with the Marlins over the past two seasons, he has finally put it all together in 2025.
Whether it be with his bat or his glove, the 29-year-old makes an impact every time he takes the field.
Myers is slashing .343/.395/.514 against left-handed pitching while also holding his own versus righties. With good speed and decent pop, he makes an ideal fourth outfielder for a contender or a potential starter for those looking for an upgrade.
TJ Friedl, Cincinnati Reds, outfielder
2025 stats: .304/.385/.424 with four home runs, 20 RBI and nine stolen bases in 58 games
Friedl is having a quietly productive season while holding down the leadoff spot. While he would likely be much better suited as a platoon type who got most of his at-bats against right-handed pitchers, the Reds lack options in the outfield.
This has forced Friedl to do his best against lefties with a .238/.324/.286 slash line with only two extra-base hits in 63 at-bats.
With a good speed and power combo that plays solid defense, Friedl can be a great leadoff batter who could fall back to a team’s fourth outfielder against left-handed pitching.
