Key Highlights
- The Arizona Diamondbacks are considering adding left-handed bats to improve their offense.
- General Manager Mike Hazen expressed openness to adding a left-handed bat if it upgrades the roster.
- Ryan O’Hearn, 32-year-old former Padre, could be a suitable fit for the D-backs.
- O’Hearn showed career-best numbers in 2025 with .803 OPS and can play first base or DH.
Arizona Diamondbacks Face Roster Challenges
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been grappling with roster decisions, particularly focusing on adding bullpen help. However, as they continue to address their pitching needs, General Manager Mike Hazen remains open to enhancing the offense through strategic moves.
Hazen recently stated, “I wouldn’t say I’ve committed to anything. I don’t know who conventional wisdom is.” His comments highlight the D-backs’ flexibility in addressing various positions on the roster.
Focus on Left-Handed Bats
The team’s primary focus has been on balancing out their lineup, with a particular emphasis on adding right-handed bats to complement left-handed players like Pavin Smith. However, Smith is expected to play in strict platoon situations and his projected batting averages indicate the need for an upgrade from the left side of the batter’s box.
According to projections by Steamer and ZiPS, both Pavin Smith and Adrian Del Castillo are projected to perform below average. This has prompted a search for a more reliable left-handed option.
Ryan O’Hearn as Potential Solution
In this context, Ryan O’Hearn emerges as an intriguing prospect. The 32-year-old former Padre enjoyed a career year in 2025, batting at .281 with an impressive .803 OPS. His consistent performance over the past three years has shown he is capable of contributing significantly to the offense.
Despite his career splits showing a .555 OPS against left-handed pitchers from 2018-2024, O’Hearn’s midseason trade with the Padres allowed him to face right-handers more frequently in 2025.
His performance during this period was notably better, hitting at .795 against right-handed pitching.
From a defensive standpoint, O’Hearn played above-average defense as first baseman and also showed versatility by filling in as a designated hitter over the last two seasons. FanGraphs estimates his contract value to be approximately $12 million annually for two years.
The Arizona Diamondbacks should consider Ryan O’Hearn as a significant upgrade at either DH or first base, given his proven track record and potential impact on the team’s offensive lineup.
