Ryan O’Hearn Named 2025 AL All-Star Game Starter at DH

Ryan O’Hearn’s story is nothing short of inspirational - the kind of journey that reminds us why we love sports. From a player struggling to stick in the majors to a breakout star in Baltimore, O’Hearn has transformed his career and earned a well-deserved spot as the American League’s starting designated hitter in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. The Orioles’ journeyman slugger didn’t just make the roster, he dominated the fan vote, beating out Yankees DH Ben Rice with 78% of the ballot.

O’Hearn’s All-Star Moment Starts with a Clubhouse Surprise

The news broke in the most fitting way: in front of his teammates. Before a game in Texas, Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino called the team together and announced that Ryan O’Hearn would be starting at DH for the American League in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.

The clubhouse erupted. 

O’Hearn’s 2025 Stats: A Career Year in the Making

Through 75 games played (as of July 5), Ryan O’Hearn has put together one of the most productive stretches of his career:

O’Hearn vs. Ben Rice: Breaking Down the All-Star DH Battle

O’Hearn holds the edge across nearly every offensive category, including OPS. Add in his leadership and versatility (with 27 starts at first base), and it’s clear why fans made him the AL’s starting DH.

From DFA to DH Stardom: O’Hearn’s Career Revival in Baltimore

It’s hard to overstate how far Ryan O’Hearn has come in just over two years. When the Orioles acquired him from the Royals in January 2023 for cash considerations, few fans even noticed. Two days later, he was designated for assignment. It could have been the end of the line. Instead, it became the turning point.

O’Hearn stuck with the organization, reported to Triple-A Norfolk, and waited for his shot. When injuries opened a door early in the 2023 season, he walked through it — and never looked back.

Since arriving in Baltimore, he’s been one of the most productive and consistent bats in the lineup:

• 2023: .289 AVG, 14 HR, 60 RBI, .802 OPS in 112 games
  

• 2024: .264/.334/.427 with career highs in hits (117), HR (15), and bWAR (2.0)
  

• 2025: Career-best .295/.383/.471 slash line so far
  

What changed? In Baltimore, O’Hearn found consistent playing time, a clubhouse that embraced him, and a hitting development system that helped unlock his power and patience at the plate.

Ryan O’Hearn’s Breakout Year Makes Him Trade Deadline Target

As sweet as this moment is for Ryan O’Hearn and Orioles fans, there’s an undeniable wrinkle: he might not be here much longer.

O’Hearn is set to become a free agent at season’s end, and with the Orioles sitting under .500 and could be entering sell mode, he’s quickly becoming one of the most valuable trade chips on the market. A left-handed bat with power, versatility, and clubhouse respect… That’s the type of player contenders pay for in July.

The memory of Manny Machado's 2018 All-Star exit still lingers in Baltimore — when he played in the Midsummer Classic knowing he could be traded any moment (and was, the next day). O’Hearn’s name hasn’t surfaced in confirmed rumors yet, but expect that to change.

A Leader in the Clubhouse and a Fan Favorite in Birdland

While the numbers speak for themselves, what truly sets Ryan O’Hearn apart is what he means inside the Orioles clubhouse. He’s not just having a breakout season — he’s become one of the most respected veterans on a team full of rising stars.

Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who knows what it’s like to be in the All-Star spotlight, said it best:

O’Hearn has embraced a leadership role in Baltimore — setting the tone with his work ethic, unselfishness, and calm presence through a rocky 2025 season. Whether filling in at first base when Ryan Mountcastle went down, or mentoring younger teammates like Jackson Holliday, his value goes beyond the stat sheet.

That’s part of why this All-Star selection resonates so deeply in Birdland. It’s not just about the production, it’s about what he represents.

Another All-Star for Birdland’s Growing Legacy

Ryan O’Hearn is the latest name in a growing line of Orioles stars to earn a starting nod at the Midsummer Classic — and he joins some pretty elite company.

Just last year, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Corbin Burnes all started for the American League. The year before, it was Austin Hays in center field. Now it’s O’Hearn, the journeyman turned heart-of-the-order slugger, starting at DH — the first Oriole to do so since Nelson Cruz in 2014.

There could be more Birds on the way. Jackson Holliday, though edged out by Gleyber Torres in fan voting, remains a strong candidate to be selected as a reserve. Félix Bautista, with 17 saves and a 2.64 ERA in his comeback from Tommy John, could easily join the roster as well.