The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to sign first baseman Ryan O’Hearn to a two‑year, $29 million contract, a move designed to add a left‑handed power/on‑base bat to their lineup and bolster first base depth for the 2026 season.
Ryan O’Hearn’s path to the majors is a study in steady development and late blooming. Born July 26, 1993, in Dunedin, Florida, O’Hearn played collegiately at Sam Houston State, where he established himself as a left‑handed hitter with gap power and on‑base skills before entering professional baseball. He stands 6‑2 and has been used both at first base and in corner outfield spots, giving teams positional flexibility as his bat matured.
O’Hearn’s high school résumé hinted at the offensive profile that would carry him forward. At Frisco Wakeland High School in Texas he hit .505 with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs as a senior, earning All‑State honors and national recognition that led him to sign with Sam Houston State. That production in a competitive Texas program marked him early as a hitter to watch and set the stage for his college and professional opportunities.
The Kansas City Royals selected O’Hearn in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, a modest slot that nevertheless launched a productive minor‑league career. He made an immediate impact in rookie ball and low minors, where his combination of contact and power translated into run production and earned him organizational promotions. Early professional stops included Idaho Falls and Lexington, where he began to show the power that would become a hallmark of his game.
Across the minors O’Hearn compiled strong numbers that justified his climb. He posted standout seasons- including a .361 average with 13 homers and 54 RBIs in 63 games at Idaho Falls in 2014, which earned him Pioneer League MVP honors, and continued to produce at higher levels, demonstrating a blend of doubles power and improving plate discipline. Those minor‑league performances helped him break through to the majors in 2018 and provided the foundation for his later resurgence.
In the big leagues O’Hearn’s career has been a mix of role player and, more recently, a regular contributor. After debuting with Kansas City in 2018, he spent time with multiple organizations and enjoyed a career‑best season in 2025, when he earned his first All‑Star selection and posted a .281 average with 17 home runs and an .803 OPS while splitting time between Baltimore and San Diego. Defensively he has made the majority of his starts at first base and graded positively in advanced metrics, adding value beyond the bat.
For the Pirates, O’Hearn projects as a left‑handed compliment at first base and a veteran presence in a lineup that has been actively upgraded this winter. With incumbent first baseman Spencer Horwitz coming off a solid season, manager Don Kelly will have a lot of flexibility with his roster.His ability to draw walks, hit for a respectable average, and provide occasional power fits Pittsburgh’s need for a steady middle‑of‑order bat; his experience playing both corners and as a designated hitter gives manager flexibility with matchups and rest days for younger players. If O’Hearn can replicate his 2025 production, the two‑year deal could be a low‑risk, high‑reward addition that helps the Pirates take another step toward contention.
(photo courtesy of Fan Sided)