The Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Ryan O Hearn to 2 Year Deal

Pittsburgh Pirates signal their intent for a playoff push with the blockbuster signing of Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. Is this the move that finally puts them in contention for 2026? Gary Morgan breaks down O’Hearn’s impactful bat, defensive versatility, and upward career trajectory, dissecting why the Pirates targeted a proven middle-of-the-order force to boost a lineup that struggled with power last season.

Key topics include how O’Hearn’s arrival affects Andrew McCutchen’s role, what this means for Spencer Horwitz at first base, and the broader implications for the Pirates’ roster, payroll, and winning mindset. Gary Morgan explores upcoming moves at third base, starting pitcher options, and the shift from rebuilding to competing in the NL Central. Can Pittsburgh sustain this momentum and finally turn the corner toward postseason dreams?

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pirates/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirates news, Ryan O’Hearn, Ryan O’Hearn signing, MLB rumors, MLB news, Andrew McCutcheon, Spencer Horowitz, Brian Reynolds, Brandon Lowe, Paul Skenes, Okamoto, Eugenio Suarez, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Locked On Pirates, NL Central preview, Pirates roster, Pirates payroll, Pirates rebuild, Pittsburgh baseball, MLB offseason

11 comments

  1. I am somewhat confidant that you are going to speak highly of this acquisition.

    The Pirates again improved the Team. The additions made are, by all reports, great people and good players. They work and play hard. They are Pittsburgh players!

    Go Bucs!

  3. I think with this signing Cutch is a must for 2 reasons on the team and the fans

    1 with the fans, people in Pittsburgh who quit supporting the team after nutting not spending might come back this year im already hearing more people approve now and they want to see Cutch get the last chance he deserves in the playoffs people will support to see that

    2. Like you said he is basically a lefty masher at this point, o hearn doesn't have the best stats against lefties so put cutch in against a tough lefty and horowitz has had injury all through his career banking on him playing the whole season just isn't smart and o hearn can flip flop with him or fill in

  4. Plenty of line-up flexibility on the right side. Questions on the left side. How can we upgrade on the left side and improve at the plate?

    Can Gonzalez be average at SS? Is Triolo going to finally have an average offensive year and prove he can be an everyday 3rd basemen? Or can a trade that includes one or both bring in upgrades on the left side? If so, who?

  6. Good show! Stoked about this upcoming season. I think this creates an environment for your Triolos and Gonzales to succeed. I like the moves they have made in the past week. I do think though any talk of Mangum not starting in the outfield somewhere is crazy.

  8. Love this offseason so far. We now have a lineup that in our division can compete with the others. Cincy, Milwaukee and Chicago are all hitters ballparks and now and with maybe another added bat we should do much better and our foes still gotta face our pitching at their parks and PNC. If they can't get Okomoto then maybe Andujar to even out the lineup and bench. Possibly Cutch returning in a lesser role. If Griffen is the real deal and starts the season at SS then Triolo would be fine at 3rd. Alot of people are down on him but he's the best defender and baserunner on the team. Just a heady player. Can't wait for the season to begin!

  9. Gary. You are one of the few who has the discussion about, when guys join the team, somebody has to go. We added three in the big trade and one here so who goes off the roster ?

Leave a Reply