Ryan O’Hearn made Pittsburgh Pirates history this offseason, signing the biggest contract for a free-agent hitter in franchise history at two years and $29 million last month.
During his introductory press conference on Thursday, the All-Star slugger explained why he chose the Pirates.
“I couldn’t be any more excited to be a Pirate,” O’Hearn said. “I love the stadium. I love the city, what it’s about. I did my research before I made a decision. It’s a team that can pitch and just seemed like one or two pieces away from being a legit contender, and that’s what I’m here to do.”
O’Hearn elaborated on his research, noting that Pittsburgh’s pitching staff ranked inside the top 10 in WHIP and ERA in 2025.
“I wanna be a part of a team that’s gonna win, and to win, you gotta pitch. That’s one thing I’ve learned in my career,” O’Hearn added. “It’s not fun being on defense three hours a night. To be a winning team, you have to pitch…and that’s one thing that really stood out to me about this team.”
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The Pirates have plenty of pitching, starting at the top of their rotation with reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. There are lots of quality arms around him, too.
“Obviously, Paul Skenes is a generational talent,” O’Hearn continued. “In addition to him, there are other young guys that have great stuff that are coming into their own, and that was attractive for me to be on a team that could pitch.”
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O’Hearn also cited Pittsburgh’s blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays that netted All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe.
“Brandon Lowe is a hitter that I’ve admired over the past few years, and I got to talk to him quite a bit at the All-Star Game last year,” O’Hearn added. “He and I hit it off, so that kind of moved the needle for me, too.”
O’Hearn said talking to Pirates manager Don Kelly also helped. After speaking with Kelly, he called his agent and told him he wanted a deal with Pittsburgh.
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Now he has one, and the Pirates are hoping he can help them contend for a playoff spot after making three straight postseason trips with the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres.
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Featured image via David Frerker-Imagn Images