Even Pirates fans can't believe what Ryan O'Hearn said at intro presser

Ryan O'Hearn's introduction to the Pittsburgh Pirates' fanbase and media was an exciting moment for the franchise, marking the first multi-year contract the team has handed out in free agency since Ivan Nova in 2016.

O'Hearn isn't quite the same caliber of slugger as, say, Kyle Schwarber, but he posted a 127 wRC+ between Baltimore and San Diego last year while hitting 17 home runs. He should be a fixture in the middle of Don Kelly's lineup for the next two seasons.

Beyond just his offensive impact, though, O'Hearn is making it clear that he's going to be a leader for this Pirates team going forward. It may sound hard to believe after back-to-back last-place finishes in the NL Central, but the first baseman wholeheartedly believes that the Bucs are on the doorstep of crashing the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

"I did my research before I made a decision [in free agency]," O'Hearn informed the media at his introductory press conference. "It's a team that can pitch, and just seemed like one or two pieces away from being a legit contender."

Considering that the Pirates haven't finished higher than fourth in the NL Central since 2017 — and haven't made the playoffs in over a decade — that's a bold statement from the veteran slugger, though it's not without some merit.

Ryan O'Hearn offers lofty praise for Pirates' core, demands better results from team moving forward

O'Hearn's signing came just a few days after the team completed its blockbuster swap for Brandon Lowe (and Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery), which surely gave the first baseman a stronger impression of the team's willingness to go for it in 2026 and beyond. The team has also added top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and reliever Gregory Soto, raising the ceiling in both the lineup and bullpen.

And, of course, O'Hearn's observation about the pitching staff is entirely correct. Paul Skenes alone makes the rotation dangerous, but Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft give the team a strong core to build around, especially after trading away Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows. That sentiment will only be more applicable if Jared Jones can return to his 2024 form after missing all of 2025 with an elbow injury and subsequent surgery.

Having already issued a challenge to his new teammates to set higher expectations for the franchise, it's clear that the Pirates have found one of their clubhouse leaders for the next window of contention. If O'Hearn, Lowe, Garcia, and others can help turn the offense around, Pittsburgh may be the next MLB team to make a worst-to-first turnaround.