Another power-hitting lefty has a chance to do damage in PNC Park this upcoming season. Former Orioles 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn has reportedly agreed to join the Pirates on a two-year deal, fortifying their lineup for the 2026 campaign.

A Look at O’Hearn

The Baltimore Orioles picked up Ryan O’Hearn, the former Royal who had a good 2018 season after he belted 12 home runs in 44 games but failed to stick afterwards, in a cash trade with Kansas City nearly three years ago. Adding O’Hearn proved to be a boon for the Orioles.

O’Hearn was a steady, valuable platoon hitter for the Orioles’ playoff-bound teams between 2023 and 2024. The 1B/OF hit 29 combined home runs in those seasons, showcasing the ability to drive the ball with strength. However, O’Hearn’s best season came this past year, one that saw him become an All-Star.

He slashed .283/.374/.463 with 13 home runs and 29 extra-base hits for the Orioles. Baltimore ultimately shipped him to San Diego with Ramon Laureano as part of a massive trade with the Padres. O’Hearn slashed .276/.350/.387 across 50 games with San Diego.

His 10.7% cumulative BB% ranked as the 60th-best in the Majors this past season, out of the 242 batters who amassed at least 350 plate appearances. His .349 wOBA ranked as the 50th-best in the Majors under that criteria.

The new Pirate isn’t a big swinger by any means. While he does have plenty of power and makes consistent, solid contact, O’Hearn has never been a swing-and-miss player. O’Hearn has a shorter-than-average swing by Major League standards and routinely catches up to fastballs.

And while the short right field porch in Baltimore was his friend, O’Hearn showed the ability to take the ball to all fields. O’Hearn posted a sub-40% Pull% in each of his last three seasons.

O’Hearn has largely been a productive hitter against right-handed pitching over the years. The 32-year-old posted an OPS above .770 in each of the last three years against right-handed pitching. He also put up a decent slash line of .278/.358/.474 with three home runs and 12 extra-base hits over 109 plate appearances.

The Orioles largely shielded him against left-handed pitching throughout his tenure.

Defensively, O’Hearn is more of a first baseman. O’Hearn played 75 games at first base this past season and ranked very well as far as Outs Above Average (+6) was concerned. He also received a considerable amount of time in left and right field with both the Royals and Orioles.

His arm strength ranked low by Major League standards, as his average of 72.2 MPH ranked in the bottom 5% of the league.

Per reports, the Pirates will sign Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year deal worth close to $30MM.

Analysis

The Pirates continue to add in what’s been an eventful offseason for Pittsburgh.

Last week, the Pirates brought in Brandon Lowe, plus reliever Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum, as part of a big three-way trade. Before then, the Pirates brought in former Red Sox outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia in that trade that sent Johan Oviedo to Boston.

This upcoming season is a big one for the Pirates. Pittsburgh’s starting rotation, between Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, etc. has the depth to be competitive for a playoff spot. However, the offense for the Pirates was not all that productive.

Adding O’Hearn and Lowe makes the Pirates’ lineup considerably better on paper. Rather than leaning on Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds to drive in runs — a strategy that didn’t work too well last season — the Pirates now have depth. Particularly, when it comes to left-handed hitting.

The Pirates can now add O’Hearn, who can get on base and drive the ball with authority, and Lowe to a lineup that also includes Spencer Horwitz, who had a good first season in Western Pennsylvania.

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