MLB trade rumors: Pirates land Ryan O’Hearn as Mets eye upgrades and Red Sox-Cardinals trade talks grow (Image Via Getty) Ryan O’Hearn is the latest name to finally come off the free-agent board as Major League Baseball’s slow offseason drags into Christmas week. On Monday, December 23, reports confirmed that the Pittsburgh Pirates signed the All-Star hitter on a multi-year deal. The move gives the Pirates a much-needed offensive lift heading into the 2025 season.Even with that deal done, the rest of the league is still very active. The New York Mets continue to reshape their roster, while the Boston Red Sox are once again involved in trade talks. With several top players still unsigned and teams working the phones, the MLB offseason is far from quiet.
Ryan O’Hearn signs with Pittsburgh Pirates to add offense before 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with Ryan O’Hearn, according to a FanSided report published on December 23. Offense was a clear weakness for Pittsburgh, and the front office finally landed a proven bat.Ryan O’Hearn spent the 2024 season split between the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres. Across both stops, he hit .281 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs. He also made the All-Star team, showing he could still be a steady presence in the lineup.The Pirates are expected to use Ryan O’Hearn in the middle of the order. While he can play first base, most signs point to him serving mainly as the designated hitter. The deal is also notable because it is Pittsburgh’s first multi-year free-agent signing since 2017.The Pirates have been busy elsewhere, too. Just last week, they made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to bring in Brandon Lowe. Together, those moves suggest the team is serious about improving its offense for 2025.The New York Mets are not slowing down. On Monday, December 23, they traded Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics. According to The Athletic, the Mets are now focused on finding a right-handed bat, ideally someone who can also handle first base.The same report said bigger names like Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman may cost more than the Mets want to spend right now. The team is also searching for help in left field, along with pitching for both the rotation and bullpen. The New York Post reported that the Mets have talked with free agent Austin Hays, who was an All-Star in 2023.Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are still in contact with the St. Louis Cardinals. After earlier trades involving Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray, The Athletic reported the teams have discussed a possible deal for Brendan Donovan.Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told The Athletic that adding another bat is “a priority.” Boston has also been linked to Ketel Marte in trade rumors. At the same time, reports claimed the team quietly checked the market on pitcher Brayan Bello, though a team source pushed back on that idea.Also Read: Shane Bieber and Kara Bieber combined net worth in 2025: MLB salary, business income, and family life