In a clear signal of their intent to compete, the Pittsburgh Pirates have secured a significant free-agent bat, agreeing to a two-year contract with All-Star first baseman Ryan O'Hearn. The deal, valued at $29 million, represents a major offseason investment for a franchise looking to build around its young pitching core and contend by 2026.
O'Hearn's Career-Year Earns Big Payday
The 32-year-old O'Hearn is coming off the finest season of his eight-year Major League Baseball career. During the 2025 campaign, which he split between the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres following a mid-season trade, the left-handed hitter posted impressive numbers. He finished with a .281 batting average, 17 home runs, and 63 runs batted in, achieving a career-best 3.0 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His performance was recognized with his first-ever All-Star selection.
O'Hearn's game is built on consistent contact and getting on base rather than pure power. He also showed marked improvement against left-handed pitching in 2025, posting a strong .278/.358/.474 slash line in 109 plate appearances against southpaws.
Addressing a Critical Lineup Need
The Pirates' offense was a glaring weakness throughout the 2025 season. The team finished at or near the bottom of the major leagues in several critical offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, and OPS (on-base plus slugging). This lack of firepower contributed to a final record of 71-91, despite the emergence of a talented young pitching staff headlined by reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes.
O'Hearn's arrival provides a reliable, veteran presence in the middle of the order. He is expected to complement existing stars like shortstop Oneil Cruz and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. His defensive versatility, with the ability to play first base, corner outfield, and serve as the designated hitter, will also give the manager valuable lineup flexibility.
A Busy Offseason of Reinforcements
The signing of O'Hearn is not an isolated move but part of an aggressive offseason strategy orchestrated by General Manager Ben Cherington. The Pirates have been active in reshaping their roster:
- They completed a three-team trade to acquire All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum, and pitcher Mason Montgomery.
- They traded for power-hitting prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, who hit 18 home runs in Triple-A last season.
- They bolstered the bullpen by signing reliever Gregory Soto.
Cherington has consistently spoken about maintaining financial flexibility, and this series of moves, capped by the O'Hearn deal, demonstrates a serious commitment to providing better run support for Skenes and other emerging arms like Bubba Chandler.
O'Hearn's journey to Pittsburgh is a story of perseverance. Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals, he revitalised his career after moving to the Baltimore Orioles in 2023. Over his MLB tenure, he carries a .252 career average with 84 homers and 313 RBIs. The $29 million guarantee, which includes potential annual incentives of up to $500,000, rewards his recent high-level production. Pirates fans now have legitimate reason for optimism, anticipating a revamped lineup featuring the combined threat of O'Hearn and Lowe for the 2026 season.
