Ryan O’Hearn Pirates Contract: 2-Year Deal
- Pittsburgh bolstered its offense by agreeing to a two-year, $29 million contract with first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn, as first reported by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on December 17,2024.
- O'Hearn, 26, significantly improved his offensive output in 2024, posting a .264 batting average with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 109 games for the Kansas City...
- His performance earned him a surprising nod as the starting designated hitter for the American League in the 2025 All-Star Game, a selection partially influenced by the trade...
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Ryan O’Hearn signs Two-Year, $29 Million Deal with Pittsburgh Pirates
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Pittsburgh bolstered its offense by agreeing to a two-year, $29 million contract with first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, as first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on December 17,2024. The deal is pending a physical.
O’Hearn’s 2024 Performance and Career Trajectory
O’Hearn, 26, significantly improved his offensive output in 2024, posting a .264 batting average with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 109 games for the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles. He finished the season with a .450 on-base plus slugging (OPS+) – a statistic that adjusts for ballpark factors – demonstrating a substantial offensive contribution. In 862 plate appearances across the season, he hit 29 home runs.
His performance earned him a surprising nod as the starting designated hitter for the American League in the 2025 All-Star Game, a selection partially influenced by the trade of Rafael Devers from the Boston red Sox to the San Francisco Giants. Shortly after the All-Star Game, O’Hearn was traded to the San Diego Padres, along with Ramón Laureano, where he hit .276 with four home runs in the final stretch of the season.
Notably, O’Hearn has shown consistent enhancement against left-handed pitching. In 2024, he recorded an .832 OPS against southpaws, a significant increase from his .605 OPS against lefties in 2023.
Impact on the Pirates’ Offense
The Pirates finished the 2024 season 26th in MLB in home runs with 164. O’Hearn’s power potential addresses a clear need for more consistent power hitting in the pittsburgh lineup. His ability to hit for both average and power, combined with his improved performance against left-handed pitchers, makes him a valuable addition.
The signing of O’Hearn suggests the Pirates are committed to improving their offensive production and contending for a playoff spot in the National League Central division.He is expected to compete for playing time at first base and designated hitter, possibly alongside existing players like Rowdy Tellez.
financial Implications and Contract Details
The $29 million contract represents a significant investment for the Pirates, but it aligns with their recent efforts to increase payroll and compete for higher-caliber players. The average annual value (AAV) of $14.5 million places O’Hearn among the team’s higher-paid players.
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $14.5 million |
| 2026 | $14.5 million |
| Total | $29 million |