In Ryan O’Hearn, the Pittsburgh Pirates are adding a productive left-handed hitter. Yet, it is a move that could impact one of the greatest right-handed hitters in franchise history.
O’Hearn seems to fit the Pirates’ lineup best as a designated hitter after agreeing to terms on a two-year, $29-million contract on Tuesday as a free agent. Though he can play first base and the corner outfield spots, the 32-year-old is a defensive liability at this stage in his career. However, he is a good DH and started at the position in this year’s All-Star Game while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.
Meanwhile, Andrew McCutchen was the Pirates’ primary DH each of the last three seasons but is now a free agent after his third consecutive one-year, $5-million contract expired in October. McCutchen no longer plays at the level he did from 2011-15, when he appeared in five straight All-Star Games and was the National League MVP in 2013.
McCutchen is still a useful offensive player, though. However, the Pirates no longer feel he can play the outfield, even on a semi-regular basis. McCutchen believes otherwise, even though he is 39. The Pirates crave versatile players and, in their eyes, McCutchen no longer fits that description.
Many teams no longer employ full-time DHs, as they use that spot to give their regulars at least part of a day off and an opportunity to partially rest.
“Certainly, a path we could take, to have guys rotate through that spot,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said prior to agreeing terms with O’Hearn. “We just really want to build the best team we can in a way that focuses on 2026 but also keeps an eye on doing anything that would really sabotage anything long-term. We’ve always got to keep an eye on that, but with the priority on 2026. If the DH spot is a rotation amongst position players, I know (manager Don Kelly) is very comfortable with that plan. If we end up having someone who plays there more, if they’re hitting, then that’ll work, too.”
O’Hearn can hit, evidenced by his .281/.366/.437 slash line with 17 home runs in 144 games combined this year with the Orioles and San Diego Padres. By comparison, McCutchen hit .239/.333/.367 with 13 homers in 135 games.
Theoretically, the Pirates could platoon O’Hearn and McCutchen at DH. Yet it’s hard to imagine the Pirates spending nearly $20 million in one season on DHs.
So, it seems McCutchen’s second tenure with the Pirates could be over.