Ryan O'Hearn has made an impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates both on and off the field.
The Pittsburgh Pirates had many potential free agent options they could have pursued over the winter. The team knew they needed more help from the lineup, but the roster was still relatively young and inexperienced, too.
When looking at the team’s needs, the front office zeroed in on veteran Ryan O’Hearn and signed him to a two-year contract. Halfway through the 2026 season, O’Hearn is helping the Pirates team in more ways than one.
The 32-year-old has had a couple of rough series here and there, but he’s ultimately been an upgrade in the Pittsburgh Lineup.
O’Hearn currently has a .286/.342/.479 slashline, and his 124 wRC+ is currently fourth on the roster, just behind Oneil Cruz (126). He’s already hit 13 home runs this season, and at this pace, O’Hearn is on track to hit a career-high in home runs by the end of the season.
On the field, O’Hearn has also demonstrated a willingness to move around the diamond and provide some defensive versatility for the team. He’s currently made 28 appearances at first base and 42 in right field.
This versatility has allowed the Pirates to keep O’Hearn’s bat in the lineup and also create more opportunities for some of Pittsburgh’s other blossoming players, such as Spencer Horwitz, who is putting together a career year.
Jun 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (29) circles the bases on his second home run of the game a three run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesThe Pirates sought out O’Hearn for his bat, and everything that he’s provided between the lines is great, but manager Don Kelly is also sure to emphasize the player he’s been behind the scenes, too.
“Just the total pro. Shows up every day, the same guy, whether he's really in the zone hitting or if he's struggling, He's always out there working hard. He's been unbelievable in the clubhouse on the field, off the field. ” said Kelly after Sunday’s win.
O’Hearn setting an example like this can create an impact well beyond one game or even a season. What Kelly describes is a player who’s setting and creating a culture for a still young and inexperienced team.
Hopefully, O'Hearn's addition will help the Pirates get back into the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
As Kelly put it: “I don't know if we could have signed anybody better this offseason.”
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