The Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup may look unrecognizable come Opening Day if they continue in the direction of signing and trading for proven big-league hitters. The front office’s most recent move was reportedly signing Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year deal.

Obviously, the Pirates have needed help all throughout the lineup, and O’Hearn will help with that offensive impact.

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However, looking at the veteran’s skill sets on offense and defense, O’Hearn will perfectly fit on the Pirates’ roster. Let’s take a look at where O’Hearn could hit in the lineup and where he could play in the field.

Looking at where O’Hearn will hit in Pittsburgh’s lineup, two potential spots stand out depending on how Don Kelly organizes his top three. It would make sense for the Pirates’ new slugger to hit third or cleanup with the Pirates.

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If the Pirates go with Brandon Lowe, a left-hander, as the second-hitter in their lineup, then Bryan Reynolds, a switch-hitter, would make the most sense hitting third, which would push O’Hearn to cleanup. Thankfully, that’s a spot the slugger has plenty of experience at and the most success.

O’Hearn has 847 career plate appearances, hitting fourth in the lineup, which is easily the most out of any other batting order position. In those opportunities, O’Hearn has a career .257/.324/.439 slash line with a .758.

Right now, O’Hearn being Pittsburgh’s cleanup hitter in 2026 makes a lot of sense.

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Sep 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (32) hits a grand slam during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Sep 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (32) hits a grand slam during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

One of O’Hearn’s strengths is that he brings with him some defensive versatility.

In 2025, he appeared at first base, left field, and right field. The 32-year-old was fairly successful wherever he was on the diamond, too, registering five outs above average, which ranked in the 89th percentile.

However, with the Pirates already having a full outfield with Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Jake Mangum, and Jack Suwinski in the mix, O’Hearn will likely see most of his time at first base and at designated hitter.

A Firstbase-DH duo of O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz has the potential to have quite an upside both offensively and defensively.