The Red Sox have been at the top of headlines all season, but for all the wrong reasons. They haven’t reached the playoffs since 2021, and this season isn’t shaping up to break that streak. Injuries, inconsistency, and the never-ending position drama have chipped away at their hopes. First base remains a revolving door, and with the trade deadline nearing, Boston’s scramble for solutions just got harder. The Orioles’ $8 million star, once seen as a fix, isn’t exactly on board.

Sox’s first base has been a hot topic this season. First baseman Triston Casas’ injury in May left a void that still hasn’t been filled. The team hoped Rafael Devers to step up to the need. But they had already moved him from third base to DH to accommodate Alex Bregman. Now, moving to first base was off the table for Devers. That month-long drama ultimately triggered the three-time All-Star’s trade to the Giants.

Even though the team is now managing the position with Romy González and Abraham Toro, that’s not a long-term solution. Their best answer was Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn. But his loyalty is still with Baltimore.

O’Hearn has been at the forefront of trade conversations this season. But he has made it pretty clear that he enjoys being an Oriole. “We’ve got another month and a half till the deadline. And I’m dead set on finishing the year as an Oriole,” he said while being in a conversation with host A.J. Pierzynski on Foul Territory.

“I think, you know, we’ve underperformed for sure. But I think the last, you know, two, three weeks have been pretty solid. And, you know, the confidence is building. And we’re getting some players back and all that,” O’Hearn further added.

The O’s struggles started early this season. Injuries, roster issues, and ultimately, the dismissal of manager Brandon Hyde have defined their season. They are at the bottom of the AL East division with a 33–44 record. Sure, like O’Hearn said, their last few weeks have been better. In the last 21 games played in June, they are 13–8. But they’re still below .500.

If their situation doesn’t drastically improve, they’ll likely become sellers and be active around the trade deadline. And O’Hearn is one of their best options. But he is not yet ready to give up on his team.

“So I’m, by any means, I’m not giving up on, you know, remaining an Oriole, at least through the end of the year. But I think it’s, you know, in today’s game, it’s impossible to be oblivious to it, you know,” he said.

O’Hearn would definitely be open to hearing if the O’s have any interest in keeping him around. But the team can’t ignore that the right fielder’s breakout season has boosted his value in the market.

Ryan O’Hearn for AL All-Star

Even as the Orioles struggle to stay afloat, O’Hearn has been making waves at Camden Yards. Ever since they acquired him from the Kansas City Royals, he has become one of the Orioles’ most consistent bats. After setting career highs last season, he’s picked up right where he left off. Through 65 games this season, he is slashing .305/.387/.480/.867 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs.

And guess what? As the American League’s top hitting DH, Devers moved to the National League, O’Hearn has climbed up the ladder in All-Star voting.

O’Hearn has never been an All-Star in his career. “He’s 1,000% deserving,” said Orioles’ shortstop Gunnar Henderson to MLB.com’s Jake Rill. “He’s just been unbelievable this first half of the season, and he’s been one of the best hitters in baseball. It’s really cool to watch him do his thing, and really cool to see where he is now through the journey that he’s had through baseball. There’s no one more deserving than him,” Henderson added.

If the lead is maintained, O’Hearn could get a chance to represent the Orioles in the Midsummer Classic. “For him to be in first this year, I’m fired up for him. He deserves it more than anybody that comes to my mind, and I’m not just saying that because I’m around him every day,” said the Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg.

Clearly, O’Hearn’s teammates are all in, pushing to get him the recognition he deserves. Now, he must stay consistent!