After a strong rookie year, Ryan O’Hearn struggled to regain his form for a few seasons. However, after departing from the Kansas City Royals, the experienced first baseman flourished, reaching a career highlight with his 2025 All-Star season.
Now, at 32 years old, O’Hearn is securing a significant payday. He has agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, announced Tuesday. While not an exorbitant sum, it marks a substantial raise from the $3.5 million he earned last year playing for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. Specifics of the contract haven’t been released yet, but it averages about $14.5 million annually.
O’Hearn showed promise as a young player. In his rookie year with the Royals at age 24, he batted .262/.353/.597 and hit 12 home runs in 170 at-bats. Still, he faltered over the next two seasons, hitting just .195/.287/.351 in 502 at-bats, which effectively ended his tenure with Kansas City.
After another disappointing offensive year in 2022, O’Hearn was traded to the Orioles before the 2023 season. Things improved significantly in Baltimore, where he posted an impressive .275/.329/.450 over two seasons.
O’Hearn started the 2025 season strong, batting .283/.374/.463 with the Orioles and earning his first All-Star nod before moving to the Padres midseason. Though his power numbers dipped in San Diego, he kept up solid batting averages and on-base percentages for a team aiming for the playoffs.
The Pirates, who finished 71-91 last year, hope to make the playoffs in 2026. They have been active this offseason, trading key players like second baseman Brandon Rowe, defensive standout Jake Mangum, and promising young outfielder Jostinkson Garcia. Despite these moves, the signing of O’Hearn is expected to have the greatest immediate impact. Notably, O’Hearn is the first multi-year free agent signing by Pittsburgh since Ian Snell in 2016.
If O’Hearn continues to progress as he did in Baltimore, he could be a reliable middle-order hitter for a lineup desperately needing better production. The Pirates were last in RBIs, runs scored, and home runs last season. O’Hearn will contribute in all these areas and, alongside players like Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, and O’Neal Crews, could give Pittsburgh a strong middle offensive presence for the first time since their last postseason run in 2015.
Fan Take: This signing signals hope for Pirates fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, as it highlights a player’s resurgence and the potential for a revitalized team. If O’Hearn can deliver, it could usher in a new era of competitiveness for Pittsburgh, making the 2026 season an exciting watch.
