Pirates sign first baseman Ryan O’Hearn

Ryan O'Hearn (YouTube)

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed first baseman Ryan O’Hearn of Dunedin, Florida. The terms of the contract are for two years and $29 million according to Rogers Sportsnet.

O’Hearn is joining his fourth Major League Baseball team. He was with the Kansas City Royals  for five years from 2018 to 2022, three seasons with the Baltimore Orioles from 2023 to 2025, and one season with the San Diego Padres in 2025.

This past season O’Hearn shared his time with the Orioles and Padres. He batted .281 with 17 home runs and 63 runs batted in. During 144 games, 474 at bats and 544 plate appearances, O’Hearn scored 67 runs and had 133 hits, 21 doubles, one triple, three stolen bases, 58 walks, 207 total bases, four sacrifice flies, an on base percentage of .366, and a slugging percentage of  .437. O’Hearn had career highs in runs scored, hits, home runs, runs batted in, walks, total bases, sacrifice flies, and on base percentage.

O’Hearn’s triple came in a 3-2 Orioles win over the Toronto Blue Jays on July 29. This was his second last game with the Orioles before he was traded to San Diego on July 31. O’Hearn was traded with outfielder Ramon Laureano of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and cash for six prospects.

On May 21, O’Hearn had a season high four hits. He had three singles and a double in an 8-4 Orioles win over the Milwaukee Brewers. It was a game that went into 11 innings.

In addition to first base experience, O’Hearn has experience in the outfield. However, according to fangraphs.com, there is a possibility that O’Hearn could be used in Pittsburgh as an everyday designated hitter.