Pittsburgh Pirates Sign All-Star First Baseman Ryan O’Hearn to Two-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant move in their roster-building efforts for the upcoming seasons, securing Ryan O’Hearn, an All-Star first baseman, on a two-year contract valued at $29 million. This signing, confirmed by The Post’s Jon Heyman, marks a pivotal step as the team focuses on enhancing their competitiveness by the 2026 season.

A Career Best Season

Ryan O’Hearn, who turns 32 this upcoming season, is coming off a career year in 2025 where he achieved remarkable statistics:

• Batting Average: .281
• Home Runs: 17
• RBIs: 63
• All-Star Selection: First-time All-Star appearance

This deal not only adds a proven offensive asset to the roster but also signals the Pirates’ commitment to improving their team dynamics. Interestingly, this marks the first multi-year contract for a free agent by the Pirates since they signed Ivan Nova for three years and $26 million in 2016.

O’Hearn’s Major League Journey

Ryan O’Hearn’s career has spanned eight years in Major League Baseball, during which he played for the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, and San Diego Padres. His career batting average stands at .252, but he has shown consistent improvement in recent seasons, posting impressive stats over the past three years:

• Batting Average: .277
• Home Runs: 46
• RBIs: 182

This upward trajectory showcases O’Hearn’s potential to be a pivotal player as the Pirates aim to strengthen their roster.

Strategic Moves by the Pirates

The addition of O’Hearn aligns with the Pirates’ recent strategies, including a three-team trade that brought Brandon Lowe into the fold. This move reflects the team’s urgent need to boost their offensive capabilities as they target a playoff berth after a decade-long drought.

General Manager Ben Cherington emphasized the organization’s intent earlier this offseason, stating:

“We need to add to the offense, and we’ll be disappointed if we don’t.”

His comments during the general managers’ meeting in Las Vegas reinforced the urgency for improvement.

Building Around Young Stars

The Pirates are actively working to create a robust roster around NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, and their recent acquisitions demonstrate a clear strategy of surrounding their young talents with experienced players who can deliver results.

Summary of O’Hearn’s Signing

• Player: Ryan O’Hearn
• Position: First Baseman
• Contract: Two years for $29 million
• Notable Stats (2025): .281, 17 Home Runs, 63 RBIs
• Last Teams Played For: Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres

As the Pirates go all-in on their plans for 2026, the addition of Ryan O’Hearn could set the foundation for a promising future. As fans anticipate an exciting season ahead, the focus remains on creating a competitive team capable of ending their playoff drought. For a detailed look at the Pirates’ roster changes and future plans, check out the official MLB website for the latest updates.