The Pittsburgh Pirates have just inked a $29 million, two-year contract with All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn, marking a bold step toward a 2026 contender.
A Significant Investment
The agreement, confirmed by a source with knowledge of the deal, includes $500,000 in performance bonuses each year. The contract was disclosed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, though it was not yet official at the time of the interview. The Pirates are making their first multiple-year free-agent deal since 2016.
O’Hearn’s 2025 Breakout
O’Hearn finished the 2025 season with a .281 batting average, 17 home runs and 63 RBIs. He also earned his first All-Star selection while playing for both Baltimore and San Diego. Those numbers represent the best statistical line of his major-league career.
Recent Pirates Moves
The O’Hearn deal is the second major acquisition in less than a week. On Dec. 19, Pittsburgh added two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from Tampa Bay in a three-team trade that also sent starting pitcher Mike Burrows to Houston.
Building Around Pitching
Pittsburgh has pledged to construct a roster that centers on a strong pitching core. The staff includes reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and rookie Bubba Chandler. Those pitchers have become the foundation of the Pirates’ future plans.
A 71-91 Season and Bottom-Line Offense
The Pirates finished the 2025 campaign with a 71-91 record. Their offense ranked at or near the bottom of the majors in key statistical categories, including runs and home runs. The new signing aims to address that weakness.
O’Hearn’s Versatility
O’Hearn has proven himself at both first base and a corner outfield position. Pittsburgh already has left-handed hitter Spencer Horwitz at first, but O’Hearn could see time there and possibly in the outfield alongside Oneil Cruz and two-time All-Star Bryan Reynolds.
Career Performance
O’Hearn is a career .252 hitter, but his numbers improved as he became a reliable contributor during his 2 ½ seasons with the Orioles. The Orioles traded him to the contending Padres at the deadline.
Recent Production
Since 2023, O’Hearn has batted .277 with 46 homers and 182 RBIs. Those figures underscore his ability to deliver power and run production when given regular playing time.
Playing in a Unique Ballpark
O’Hearn now finds himself playing half his games in a ballpark where the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall starts just 320 feet from home plate. That unique configuration can affect offensive output.
Contract Significance
The two-year, $29 million contract signals Pittsburgh’s intent to accelerate its rebuild. It is the largest free-agent deal the franchise has agreed to in the past decade.
Strategic Fit
The Pirates’ plan to build around a solid pitching staff is complemented by O’Hearn’s power and versatility. His ability to play multiple positions gives the team flexibility in both the lineup and the field.
Performance Bonuses
The $500,000 annual performance bonus structure rewards O’Hearn for hitting milestones and achieving specific statistical thresholds. Those bonuses align his personal incentives with the team’s offensive goals.
Correction Notice
This story has been corrected. A previous version reported incorrectly that O’Hearn played for Kansas City in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The Pirates signed O’Hearn to a $29 million, two-year deal with annual performance bonuses.
- O’Hearn’s 2025 season (.281 average, 17 HR, 63 RBI) was his best to date and earned him an All-Star nod.
- Pittsburgh’s recent moves, including Brandon Lowe, signal a broader strategy to revamp both pitching and offense.
The Pirates’ new contract with Ryan O’Hearn represents a decisive push toward competitiveness. By adding a proven power hitter who can play multiple positions, the franchise aims to lift an offense that finished near the bottom of the majors in 2025. The deal also reflects the organization’s broader commitment to building a strong pitching core while improving run production, positioning the team for a stronger showing in 2026 and beyond.
