Padres' Ryan O'Hearn predicted to sign with NL Central club following 2025 season

The San Diego Padres were one of the most aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline back in July. They made multiple big splashes by trading for Mason Miller, Ryan O'Hearn, and Ramon Laureano. 

They have all been solid for San Diego in their short tenure, but the Padres continue to deal with their share of struggles and are still in second place in the National League West. 

Ryan O'Hearn was named to his first all-star appearance this season and is now predicted to sign elsewhere in free agency

Ryan O'Hearn predicted to be in the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup

Whenever the San Diego Padres acquired Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles. it was expected that he was going to be a rental addition and hit the open market following the season. 

O'Hearn has 16 home runs this season, 54 RBIs, an OPS+ of 126, and has drastically improved against left-handed pitching since getting more opportunities against southpaws. 

Bleacher Report recently predicted every team's 2026 Opening Day lineup, and Ryan O'Hearn ends up as the Cincinnati Reds' cleanup hitter:

"The Reds have had an extremely difficult time fielding a competent outfield the last few years, but with Noelvi Marte making a full-time shift to right field and Spencer Steer further removed from shoulder problems, first base now looks like the target spot to add a run producer. They could also make a push to re-sign Austin Hays, who has provided terrific production on a one-year, $4 million deal and is likely to decline his end of a $12 million mutual option."

So, what does this mean for San Diego? They would have to pursue another left-handed bat in free agency. San Diego is known to have one of the most aggressive front offices in baseball, so there's no doubt they will likley replace O'Hearn's production with another slugger. 

In 33 games with the Friars, O'Hearn has three home runs, is hitting .257 in 101 at-bats, and has 11 RBIs. Is there a scenario where San Diego re-signs O'Hearn? It's possible if he serves as a postseason hero in October and provides the club with many big moments.