Pirates' Ryan O'Hearn Plan Could Lead to Easier Offseason and Better Roster

One of the bigger focuses for the Pittsburgh Pirates entering the offseason has to do with landing a right-handed bat who can come in and really swing it against left-handed pitching. 

That was a big problem for the Pirates a year ago, something that the front office is going to be tasked with improving this winter. There are many ways that can happen, but the Pirates are going to have to get creative in doing so, as they might not want to spend a ton of money on the free agency market.

There are also some other interesting storylines to follow. That includes the free agency decision that Brandon Lowe has to make. Lowe, who finds himself in a very good position to get paid handsomely, more than any amount he's ever gotten in his career, is expected to be extremely sought after on the open market. 

It remains uncertain when he's going to sign and whether he wants to get that deal done before the expected lockout in December, but the latest report suggests that they're interested in re-signing him, and that's been the biggest priority so far.

It was later added that the Pirates also don't want to use Ryan O'Hearn regularly in the outfield.

“As is typical for the Pirates, they’ve spent plenty of time early in the offseason looking at potential trade targets and partners. With re-signing Brandon Lowe as the priority, trades could be the best way to improve while ensuring they retain the flexibility to pursue him.

“Cherington said Tuesday that the Pirates are hoping to build a roster that doesn’t require Ryan O’Hearn to regularly play the outfield. Using him there late in games or giving him an occasional start can be an option, but the ideal roster in 2027 has O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz primarily playing first base and designated hitter,” Colin Beazley wrote.

The interesting part about having O'Hearn play first base and be a designated hitter is that it could give Pittsburgh some flexibility in what it can do on the free agency market. 

If O'Hearn is willing to play first base full-time and also be a designated hitter when needed, there's an argument to be made that the Pirates will find a difference-maker offensively much easier than they would have had he suggested that he just wants to play the outfield. Pittsburgh obviously needs his bat in the lineup, but this does give them some flexibility now, and that's pretty exciting.

With O’Hearn, hopefully Lowe, and hopefully another bat or two, the Pirates can put themselves in a very good position to win at a high level in the NL next year.