For the better part of a decade, the Pirates have been a franchise adrift, plagued by underperformance, thin rosters, and a reputation for frugality. Their last winning season was back in 2018, and they haven’t come close since. But the 2025-26 offseason is sounding a different note, a louder one, with more ambition and, finally, some spending power behind it.
A Serious Swing at Power Bats
The clearest signal yet? A serious $120 million push for slugger Kyle Schwarber, who ultimately chose Philadelphia, but a swing that bold was something rare in Pittsburgh. The Pirates’ pivot was swift and deliberate, setting their sights on another left-handed bat with power and proven production: Ryan O’Hearn. And this time, they didn’t miss.
According to reports, the Pirates are finalizing a two-year, $29 million deal with O’Hearn, plus another $500,000 in incentives, making him the first free agent to sign a multiyear deal with the club since Ivan Nova nearly a decade ago. That detail, in itself, tells a story. A new era is trying to dawn in Pittsburgh, one anchored not just in hope or prospects, but in legitimate roster investments.
O’Hearn Brings Production and a Message
O’Hearn, fresh off his first All-Star season at age 32, posted a .281 batting average, an .803 OPS, and career-highs in both home runs (17) and games played (144) while splitting time between the Orioles and Padres. For a team that finished 71-91 last year, that kind of consistency and power, especially from a veteran presence, isn’t just a boost; it’s a statement of intent.
His addition pairs neatly with the recent trade acquisition of second baseman Brandon Lowe, another two-time All-Star with proven pop. Together, they bring 31 home runs, 83 RBI, and a combined sense of credibility to a Pirates offense that has lacked both. This isn’t just about padding the stats; it’s about setting the tone.
Can the Pirates Finally Turn the Corner?
If O’Hearn can replicate his 2025 campaign and Lowe stays healthy, the Pirates may have their most balanced and threatening lineup since their early-2010s playoff pushes. More importantly, Pittsburgh is signaling to its fans, and to the league, that it won’t sit idle anymore. The front office is finally aligning itself with the competitive window that young talents like Oneil Cruz and Paul Skenes are pushing open.
The National League Central has been up for grabs in recent years, and the Pirates are positioning themselves, at long last, to take a real swing at the crown they haven’t worn since 1992. Whether that swing connects remains to be seen—but for once, it looks like Pittsburgh isn’t afraid to try.
