The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t had a winning season since 2018, and for a franchise that once rattled off three straight division titles in the early ‘90s, that’s a long time to be stuck in neutral. But if this offseason is any indication, the Bucs are tired of waiting. They're making moves-not just to improve around the margins, but to actually contend.
Their latest swing? A two-year, $29 million deal with first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, who’s coming off a career year and his first All-Star selection.
The contract, which includes $500K in performance incentives, marks the first multiyear free-agent signing for the Pirates in nearly a decade. You have to go back to right-hander Iván Nova to find the last time they made that kind of commitment on the open market.
This time, though, they’re investing in offense.
O’Hearn, 32, is coming off a strong season split between the Orioles and Padres. He hit .281 with an .803 OPS, launched a career-high 17 home runs, and played in a personal-best 144 games.
It wasn’t just a flash-in-the-pan campaign-he looked like a player who’s figured out how to maximize his power and plate approach, especially against right-handed pitching. For a Pirates lineup that’s lacked consistent middle-of-the-order production, O’Hearn brings a much-needed lefty bat with pop and veteran presence.
This signing didn’t come out of nowhere. The Pirates had their sights set high earlier in the offseason, reportedly offering Kyle Schwarber a four-year, $120 million deal before he ultimately landed with the Phillies.
That pursuit alone was a signal: Pittsburgh is ready to spend. Missing out on Schwarber didn’t deter them-it just redirected their focus.
And now, with O’Hearn in the fold, they’ve landed a proven slugger without breaking the bank.
But O’Hearn isn’t arriving alone. The Pirates also recently traded for two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, giving the team another power threat and run producer.
Between O’Hearn and Lowe, you’re looking at a combined 31 home runs and 83 RBIs added to the mix. That’s not just padding stats-that’s reshaping a lineup that’s been far too quiet for far too long.
Beyond the numbers, O’Hearn brings something else this team has needed: leadership. With a clubhouse full of developing talent, having a veteran who’s been through the grind and found success later in his career can be invaluable. He’s the kind of presence that can help steady the ship during the inevitable ups and downs of a 162-game season.
The Pirates aren’t just trying to be respectable in 2026-they’re aiming to contend in a National League Central that’s been wide open in recent years. It’s been over 30 years since they last won the division. Moves like this suggest they believe that drought can end sooner rather than later.
There’s still work to do, no doubt. But for a franchise that’s often been criticized for its hesitancy in free agency, this offseason feels different.
The Pirates are making real investments in proven talent. And with Ryan O’Hearn now on board, they’ve taken a legitimate step toward building a lineup that can compete-and maybe even make some noise come October.