New York Mets linked to pair of All-Star-level players to boost DH before MLB trade deadline

One MLB insider believes a pair of All-Star-level first basemen could be New York Mets targets before the trade deadline to boost the designated hitter spot.

The Mets have one of the top rosters in baseball. But they have some obvious weaknesses they would like to address to be a serious threat to the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in October. They are expected to look for bullpen help before the July 31st MLB trade deadline. However, Yahoo Sports insider Russell Dorsey believes a pair of impact bats could be potential targets.

In a new column on impact players that could be on the move before the deadline, Dorsey suggested Baltimore Orioles DH/1B Ryan O’Hearn should be up for grabs.

“Ever since Ryan O’Hearn arrived in Baltimore, he has continuously improved. And this season, he’s going to be making his first All-Star appearance. But in a year when the Orioles have disappointed and are unlikely to make a run to the postseason, O’Hearn might be their most valuable trade asset right now,” Dorsey wrote.

• Ryan O’Hearn stats (2025): .301 AVG, .381 OBP, .481 SLG, .862 OPS, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 29 R

Furthermore, he also expects 2024 All-Star Josh Naylor to be on the trade block before July 31st. “The D-backs have not had much luck on the injury front this season, with multiple pitchers going down for the season, including starters Corbin Burnes and Jordan Montgomery and reliever Justin Martinez. If Arizona decides to sell, moving Naylor, who is also a free agent at the end of the season, feels like the right decision.”

In both cases, he listed the Mets as “potential landing spots.” Both are free agents after the season and should not cost the team high-end prospects in a deal.

The DH platoon of Starling Mare and Jesse Winker has been serviceable for New York this season. However, either O’Hearn or Naylor would be a big upgrade at that spot in the order. The Orioles veteran has been having a career year just in time for a jump into free agency. And has been one of the few bright spots for Baltimore this season.

Former Cleveland Guardians star Naylor has also been having a very big season in his first — and likely only — year in Arizona. He is on pace to post career highs in average, on-base, slugging, and OPS.

• Josh Naylor stats (2025): .304 AVG, .359 OBP, .471 SLG, .830 OPS, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 39 R

By Jason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos