Just a few days after a big multi-team trade, the Pittsburgh Pirates have struck once again. After being linked to numerous free agent sluggers, such as Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, the Pirates have found another slugger for their lineup. Per FanSided's Robert Murray on X, formerly Twitter, Pittsburgh has inked All-Star first baseman Ryan O'Hearn to a two-year deal.
“A splash for the Pirates: Free-agent first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on a two-year, $29 million contract, according to sources familiar with the deal,” broke Murray on Tuesday afternoon. “It includes $500K in performance bonuses in each season.”
Despite rumors linking them to Okamoto, it looks as if O'Hearn will be the choice to team up with the returning Spencer Horwitz at first base. The veteran will also likely serve as Pittsburgh's primary designated hitter. After a series of one-year deals, O'Hearn's two-year commitment with the Bucs is his first multi-year deal since 2016. After his play with the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres last season, the 2025 All-Star's new deal is well deserved. Will Pirates GM Ben Cherington continue to add to one of MLB's worst offenses from last season?
Pirates add another piece to improving lineup
O'Hearn is the Pirates' third significant addition to their lineup this winter. A few days ago, Cherington swung a three-team trade with the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays that netting a new starting second baseman in Brandon Lowe, plus outfielder Jake Mangum. All three additions add different dimensions to Pittsburgh's lineup.
Mangum's contact-orientated approach works in multiple spots throughout the batting order. Lowe and O'Hearn's power will help one of Major League Baseball's worst-home run hitting teams, as both veterans can certainly send a few balls into the Allegheny next season. With this new trio in tow, Cherington likely still has a few holes to address. How will the Pirates' front office continue to improve a roster that will look to take the next step in 2026? Fans across baseball will certainly keep a close eye on how much more Pittsburgh will open up the checkbook this winter.
