Pirates Sign O'Hearn to Two-Year, $29 Million Deal

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates finalized a two-year, $29 million contract with free agent first baseman and outfielder Ryan O'Hearn on Thursday, marking the team's first multiyear free agent agreement in nearly a decade.

The 31-year-old left-handed hitter joins Pittsburgh after a career-best 2025 season split between the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. O'Hearn batted .281 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection. Known for his power at the plate and versatility in the field, he averaged an .800 on-base plus slugging percentage over the past three years and hit around 15 home runs per season. The deal represents a significant investment for the Pirates, who have prioritized rebuilding their offense following a 71-91 finish in 2025, when they ranked near the bottom of the majors in runs scored and home runs.

To accommodate O'Hearn on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated reliever Chase Shugart for assignment. The 29-year-old right-hander, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in January 2025 for minor leaguer Matt McShane, appeared in 35 games for Pittsburgh last season. Shugart posted a 4-3 record with a 3.40 earned run average over 45...