Padres Boost Roster with O’Hearn and Laureano Acquisitions

The San Diego Padres want to shake things up and make a real playoff push in 2025. On Thursday, after a whirlwind of trades, the team revamped its roster by adding proven Major League talent to boost both offense and pitching depth.

In return, the Padres sent away a group of minor league prospects. The message? The organization is all-in on chasing success this coming season.

Let’s break down the moves, the players involved, and what this might mean for the Padres’ playoff hopes.

Padres Acquire Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano in Blockbuster Deal

San Diego made headlines by picking up first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano from the Baltimore Orioles. Both guys bring immediate value, plugging key gaps in offense and defense.

What Ryan O’Hearn Brings to the Team

Ryan O’Hearn is in the middle of a career year and now steps into San Diego as a big piece of the puzzle. The 2023 All-Star has an impressive slash line: .283/.374/.463, with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs.

He gets on base, he’s got power, and he could really shake up the heart of the Padres’ lineup. That’s something this offense has needed for a while.

Ramon Laureano: A Two-Way Contributor

Ramon Laureano brings a mix of pop at the plate and strong defense in the outfield. He’s hitting .290 with a .355 OBP and a .529 slugging percentage, plus 15 home runs and 46 RBIs.

But let’s be honest—his arm and range in the outfield are what really make him stand out. That’s the kind of defense that can change games.

A Costly Move: Six Prospects Head to the Orioles

To land O’Hearn and Laureano, the Padres sent six prospects to Baltimore:

• Pitchers Boston Bateman, Tyson Neighbors, and Tanner Smith
• Infielders Brandon Butterworth and Cobb Hightower
• Utility player Victor Figueroa

This is a hefty prospect haul. It shows just how serious the Padres are about building a playoff-caliber squad for 2025.

President of baseball operations A.J. Preller admitted the price was steep, but he believes these trades make the lineup deeper and more balanced.

Additional Moves Bolster Pitching Staff and Utility Options

The Padres didn’t stop with O’Hearn and Laureano. They pulled off a handful of smaller deals to shore up pitching and catching depth, trying to cover every angle for a postseason run.

Reinforcements on the Mound

San Diego added two arms from the Oakland Athletics: closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears. They’re hoping these guys bring some steadiness to a pitching staff that’s leaned heavily on Robert Suarez and Dylan Cease.

Both Suarez and Cease stayed put, even though rumors swirled about possible trades. The team also traded for lefty Nestor Cortes from the Brewers. He’s on the injured list right now, but after a promising rehab stint, he could be a key piece down the stretch.

Utility Depth and Catcher Upgrade

San Diego also dealt for catcher Freddy Fermin from the Royals and utility infielder Will Wagner from the Blue Jays. Fermin’s a steady defender behind the plate, and Wagner can play all over the infield when needed.

A.J. Preller’s Vision for 2025

Padres president A.J. Preller says these moves are all part of a bigger plan to reshape the lineup and give the team a better shot in a tough National League. He’s focused on balancing out the offense with reliable hitters like O’Hearn and Laureano, while also building up the pitching staff and utility depth.

By hanging onto closer Robert Suarez and starter Dylan Cease—both of whom could hit free agency after the season—the Padres are doubling down on a win-now approach. Preller seems optimistic, saying these additions put the Padres in a strong spot to chase a deep playoff run in 2025.

Could This Be the Padres’ Year?

The San Diego Padres have gone all-in for 2025. Their aggressive moves really show a clear intent to compete for a championship.

They’ve reinforced the lineup and added depth to the pitching staff. The front office seems totally willing to give up future assets if it means success right now.

With these changes, the team’s aspirations couldn’t be more obvious. If the new acquisitions actually deliver and the roster stays healthy, the Padres might just become one of the top National League contenders next season.

Will these bold moves finally give San Diego fans a postseason run worth remembering? Honestly, who knows. October baseball has a way of surprising everyone.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Pads add O’Hearn, Laureano to lineup