Pirates News: Ryan O’Hearn contract details, Paul Skenes card, Edward Florentino

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ offseason investment in Ryan O’Hearn is now fully clear.

O’Hearn’s deal with Pittsburgh guarantees $29 million over two years, paying him $14 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the contract also includes a series of performance incentives tied to playing time and accolades. O’Hearn can earn $100,000 each for reaching 450 and 475 plate appearances, $150,000 for 500, and another $150,000 for 525.

Awards bonuses are layered in as well: $250,000 for winning NL MVP ($150,000 for second place, $100,000 for third), $50,000 for World Series MVP, $25,000 for LCS or Division Series MVP, $25,000 for a Gold Glove, $75,000 for a Silver Slugger, and $50,000 for an All-Star selection.

It’s a structure that reflects both O’Hearn’s upside and the Pirates’ belief that he can be a central, everyday piece in a lineup they’re finally building with intent.

Pirates News: Topps to feature Paul Skenes alongside Nolan Ryan on 1/1 auto card

Topps announced this week that reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes will be paired with a true baseball icon in one of its most prestigious products.

For the first time ever, Skenes and Hall of Fame legend Nolan Ryan will share a dual autographed card in the Feb. 6 release of Topps Museum Collection, one of the company’s premier, high-end sets. Museum Collection is known for its ornate designs, booklet autographs and cards featuring multiple game-used relics, including jersey and bat pieces.

Ryan’s place in baseball history is long secured. Skenes, meanwhile, has just two MLB seasons under his belt. But given the hardware and headlines the Pirates’ ace has already accumulated in that brief window, Topps’ decision reflects how quickly Skenes has been elevated into rare company — and how real his trajectory toward that kind of legacy already feels.

Pirates News: Edward Florentino named top outfield prospect entering 2026

The Pirates’ farm system added another national feather to its cap this week as Baseball America named Edward Florentino the top corner outfield prospect in baseball entering 2026.

BA gave the 19-year-old a “65” overall grade — the highest among players at his position and firmly in the “plus to plus-plus” tier. Florentino also received “60” grades for both hitting and power, “55” for arm strength, “45” for fielding and “40” for speed, while being labeled a “high-risk” prospect due to his youth and limited professional experience.

Florentino’s breakout 2025 season made that lofty ranking feel earned. In his first year stateside at just 18, he slashed .347/.442/.642 in the Florida Complex League before carrying that production to Single-A Bradenton, where he posted a .262/.380/.503 line with 10 homers and 29 stolen bases. He was named Florida State League Player of the Month in July after leading the league in homers and RBIs.

With elite bat-to-ball skills, emerging power and impact athleticism, Florentino now enters 2026 as one of the sport’s most exciting outfield prospects. He’s expected to open the year with High-A Greensboro, with Double-A Altoona well within reach if the bat continues to play.