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The Pittsburgh Pirates have tabbed Ryan O’Hearn as their next starting first baseman.
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to add quality bats to their lineup. Robert Murray of FanSided reports that the Pirates have agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with free-agent first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. The deal also includes $500K performance bonuses in each season.
O’Hearn, 32, is coming off a breakout season with the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. In 2025, he set career-highs in games played (144) and plate appearances (544). He proved to be a productive bat, hitting .281 with 17 home runs and an .803 OPS. FanGraphs estimated his offense to be 27% better than the average major league hitter with a 127 wRC+.
His reported contract with the Pirates ended up slightly outperforming the projections. The median crowd source on FanGraphs and MLB Trade Rumors both projected O’Hearn to land two-year deals of $24 and $26 million respectively.
The Pirates spent much of the offseason pursuing sluggers to improve a lineup that had the second-worst wRC+ (76) in 2025. They were linked to Josh Naylor and Kyle Schwarber before the two re-signed with their previous teams.
Where Does Ryan O’Hearn Fit in the Pirates’ Lineup?
O’Hearn should be featured prominently in the middle of the Pirates’ starting lineup. Roster Resource on FanGraphs already projects him to be their starting first baseman and cleanup hitter.
Despite playing primarily a platoon role early in his career, O’Hearn held his own against left-handed pitching in 2025. He slashed .278/.358/.478 with three home runs in 109 plate appearances against southpaws. That should earn him the opportunity to play every day in Pittsburgh the next two seasons.
Their starting infield for much of 2025 was Spencer Horwitz (1B), Nick Gonzales (2B), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (SS), and Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B). Based on their moves this offseason, they could have four completely new starters in 2026.
O’Hearn and Lowe project to start at first base and second base. Jared Triolo, a utility infielder, projects as the starting third baseman. Konnor Griffin, baseball’s consensus top prospect, will receive the opportunity to win the shortstop job next spring. The Pirates are hoping to build their franchise around Griffin and superstar pitcher Paul Skenes.
The deal also displaces Horwitz from the lineup. He’ll compete with outfielder Jack Suwinski for the designated hitter role against right-handers. Horwitz should have the edge in the competition based solely on 2025 results. His 125 wRC+ against righties compares very well to Suwinski’s 62.
Pirates Show Willingness to Spend After Latest Moves
ESPN’s Jeff Passan listed the Pirates as the unlikeliest of spenders on November 18. So far this offseason, the front office has backed that up.
At $29 million, it is the second-largest commitment the Pirates have ever given to a free agent. Left-hander Francisco Liriano received a three-year, $39 million deal after the 2014 season. On a per-year basis, O’Hearn edges out Liriano by $1.5 million.
O’Hearn is the second big bat the Pirates have acquired this offseason. On December 19th, they swung a three-team trade with the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays to acquire second baseman Brandon Lowe. Left-hander Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum also came to Pittsburgh in the deal.
Between the Lowe trade, the Gregory Soto signing, and the O’Hearn deal, the Pirates have added $49 million in future commitments. They’re currently projected for a $96 million payroll by Roster Resource, higher than the $87 million they spent in 2025.
The Pirates have a short window to compete, which is why they’re showing more urgency this offseason. Skenes, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, has just four years of control left. With the clock ticking, they’re hoping to maximize the window they have with Skenes and Griffin.
Michael McDermott Michael McDermott is a writer at Heavy Sports covering the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball. Michael has 10 years experience writing about the D-backs and their farm system for AZ Snake Pit, Burn City Sports, and Diamondbacks On SI. More about Michael McDermott
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