PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – You’re not going to hear something negative from a player who signs as a free agent. What we heard as Ryan O’Hearn signed his two-year, reportedly $29 million contract, was a confident, positive voice entering the Pirates clubhouse.
“I couldn’t be any more excited to be a Pirate,” O’Hearn said Thursday as he was introduced during a news conference at PNC Park.” 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 it seemed like one or two pieces away from being a legit contender and that’s what I’m here to do.”
The 32-year-old left-hander is coming off a career-high 17 home runs in 2025 with 21 doubles while hitting .281 with an .803 OPS. O’Hearn said he really enjoys the ballpark and remembers hitting a home run off Jared Jones, and then was quick to say he’s glad he’s his teammate now.
“It’s a great place to hit, especially if you are left-handed,” O’Hearn said. “The idea of hitting a ball in the water is very exciting to me.”
Struggling to stay in the majors early in his career, O’Hearn said he doesn’t take one day for granted playing in MLB. He’s coming off his first All-Star Game appearance in July.
“Every day in the big leagues is a blessing,” O’Hearn said. “I get to put on this uniform that Roberto Clemente wore, Honus Wagner, all these legends and I get to play a Major League Baseball game. I love to play baseball and I get to do it on the biggest stage, what more could you be excited about.”
The first baseman/outfielder and likely occasional designed hitter said he likes to get after it. He leaves it all on the field and is obsessed with baseball. And he still believes he’s improving at 32.
“I like to play hard,” O’Hearn said. “Fans may see a very serious face, I’m going to smile when I do something good, but I’m going to be locked in.”
O’Hearn says what he has in abundance is belief. He has always believed in himself and says he’ll help carry that over to his teammates.
“I think the same can be said for the team,” O’Hearn said. “For this team to go to the playoffs, we got to believe that we can do it. That’s something I’m going to be talking about from the minute we get to spring training. We are going to win. We are going to the playoffs, because if you don’t believe it, no one else will.”
The former Oriole, Padre and Royal said he doesn’t care about team payroll. He doesn’t get consumed in that stuff. He says to be a part of a winner, you have to be able to pitch. And the Pirates can pitch. He brought up not just Paul Skenes, but others who he believes are coming into their own.
He’s also a fan of Brandon Lowe, who came over in a trade with Tampa Bay. They hung out together at the All-Star Game last year. He also said Oneil Cruz can be a Fernando Tatis or Ronald Acuna-type impact player
“There are great pieces on this team and I think I complement the lineup well,” O’Hearn said.
The talk is positive and it’s been said O’Hearn has great leadership qualities. Pirates report in five weeks.