Named to the American League All-Star break, Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn couldn’t use the All-Star break to get away from the trade rumors that have surrounded his name since it became clear that selling was the Orioles’ likely direction at the MLB trade deadline.

While admitting that the rumors can be a distraction, O’Hearn told reporters that his focus is on saving what many believe to be a lost season for the Orioles.

“It’s hard to ignore, for sure, but I try to stay off my phone as much as possible,” O’Hearn mentioned. “Be where my feet are, focus on my team. The Baltimore Orioles right now are my team. In my mind, we’re trying to make a miraculous comeback. And if a trade happens when it gets close to the trade deadline or whatever it may be, that’s the nature of the business. But at this moment, I’m a Baltimore Oriole and I’m trying to win games for the O’s.”

Time seemingly has run out on the Orioles making a miraculous comeback. When play resumes on Friday, the Orioles will be 11.5 games out of first place in the American League East and 7.5 games out of a Wild-Card spot.

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time that the Orioles will move talent at the deadline, and that was made clear when they shipped Bryan Baker to the Rays for a draft pick last week.

Ryan O’Hearn reveals what he really thinks about all of these trade rumors

A free agent after the season, it seems that it is a near certainty that O’Hearn will be moved by the deadline. As much as he may want to ignite a comeback for the Orioles, their best path forward is to cash in on the breakout season of the veteran first baseman.

The hope is that the trade rumors don’t create a distraction for O’Hearn coming out of the All-Star break. O’Hearn is currently one of the top rental bats available, and a hot stretch post-All-Star break would only solidify the return for the Orioles. It also would make watching Baltimore just that much more enjoyable before the inevitable sell-off begins.