As the baseball world winds down for the holidays, a notable move has emerged that Orioles fans - and Pirates fans alike - will want to keep an eye on.
Ryan O’Hearn, whose career found new life in Baltimore and who went on to earn the starting DH spot for the American League in this year’s All-Star Game, is headed to Pittsburgh. The Pirates have agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the 32-year-old slugger, with an additional $500,000 available in incentives.
This marks a rare splash for Pittsburgh in the free-agent market - their first multi-year contract handed out since they signed pitcher Ivan Nova to a three-year deal back in 2016. For a team that’s typically cautious with long-term commitments, this move signals a clear belief in what O’Hearn brings to the table.
And it’s not hard to see why.
O’Hearn’s journey has been one of the more compelling stories in recent seasons. After being traded from Kansas City to Baltimore for cash considerations in January 2023, he was quickly designated for assignment.
No team claimed him off waivers. But instead of disappearing into the shuffle, O’Hearn put his head down, had a strong spring, and started the year in Triple-A Norfolk.
That didn’t last long.
He forced his way back to the big leagues and made the most of the opportunity. In 2023, he hit .289 with an .801 OPS, 14 home runs, and 60 RBIs - a breakout campaign by any measure.
He followed that up in 2024 with another solid showing: .264 average, 15 homers, 59 RBIs, and a .761 OPS. Then came 2025, when he was hitting .283 with an .837 OPS, 13 home runs and 43 RBIs before being traded to the Padres at the deadline alongside Ramón Laureano in exchange for six prospects.
O’Hearn brought his steady bat and veteran presence to San Diego, helping the Padres reach the postseason - his third consecutive playoff appearance. In 50 games with the Padres, he hit .276 with a .736 OPS, four home runs and 20 RBIs. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid production for a midseason addition.
Now he joins a Pirates team looking to add stability and leadership to a young core. O’Hearn’s reputation goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s known as a clubhouse glue guy - engaging, respected, and the kind of veteran who helps set a tone over the grind of a 162-game season.
The move also sets up an early-season reunion. The Orioles will visit Pittsburgh in early April, offering fans a quick look at O’Hearn in his new threads. The two teams also share spring training turf in Florida, with five Grapefruit League matchups on the calendar between their nearby camps in Sarasota and Bradenton.
O’Hearn isn’t the only former Oriole on the move this winter. Of the players Baltimore traded at last season’s deadline, only Laureano and reliever Bryan Baker (now with Tampa Bay) remain with the teams that acquired them.
Andrew Kittredge, who was dealt to the Cubs, is back in Baltimore after the Orioles reacquired him in November and picked up his $9 million option for 2026.
Cedric Mullins, who struggled in a two-month stint with the Mets - hitting just .182 with two homers and 10 RBIs - signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Rays.
Lefty Gregory Soto, who posted a 4.50 ERA in 25 games, also signed with the Pirates, landing a $7.75 million deal for 2026.
Meanwhile, right-hander Seranthony Dominguez and infielder Ramón Urías are still on the market. Houston chose not to tender Urías a contract for 2026.
Charlie Morton, another familiar name, was traded to Detroit but didn’t stick with the Tigers. He was picked up by Atlanta and got the ball for Game 162 - likely the final outing of a remarkable 18-year career.
As for the Orioles’ own crop of 2025 free agents, the market remains quiet. Starters Zach Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano, catcher Gary Sánchez, infielder Jorge Mateo, and outfielder Dylan Carlson have yet to sign deals for 2026. Reliever Cionel Pérez, who became a minor league free agent back in September, is also unsigned.
Elsewhere, former Orioles outfielder Austin Hays may be on the move again. After being traded to Philadelphia in mid-2024 and spending 2025 with Cincinnati, he’s reportedly drawing interest from the New York Mets.
And reliever Jacob Webb, who pitched for Baltimore in 2023 and 2024 before spending last season with Texas, has agreed to a one-year deal with a 2026 option with the Chicago Cubs.
So while the hot stove may be cooling down for the holidays, the Orioles’ extended family continues to make moves - and Ryan O’Hearn’s next chapter in Pittsburgh might be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow heading into 2026.