Ryan O’Hearn signing suggests Pirates have unlocked a new recruiting edge

There are many reasons why a free agent may not want to come play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, whether it’s the small-market salary, the poor attendance, or the lack of recent success. According to signee Ryan O’Hearn, though, there seems to be one reason –– in fact, one person –– who is changing that trend.

Manager Don Kelly spoke to O’Hearn prior to the slugger’s signing with the Pirates, and according to MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf, the conversation was pivotal in O’Hearn’s decision. Kelly, a nine-year veteran of the Majors, seems to have that effect on people. As a player, he was a “do it all” kind of guy, playing every position at some point in his career.

Kelly has been through it all from playing in the 2012 World Series to being DFA’d by the very team he now manages. That experience and his expert communication style clearly won over O’Hearn.

Manager Don Kelly’s reputation and personability may entice more free agents to sign with Pittsburgh.

Perhaps no one is a better fit to sell Pittsburgh than Kelly. He grew up in the city, attended Point Park University, and made his big-league debut with the Pirates in 2007. According to general manager Ben Cherington, Kelly lives and breathes the city, and the skipper hasn’t been shy about what he thinks the city deserves. When the Pirates removed the “interim” tag, Kelly firmly established that he expects to push for a playoff berth in 2026. Signing the likes of O’Hearn is a huge step in that direction.

From the trade for Brandon Lowe to the signing of O’Hearn to the hype around Konnor Griffin, the narrative around the Pirates is rapidly changing. But the best thing about Kelly might be how much he has stayed the same. When he was promoted to the manager job in 2025, then-Pirate David Bednar praised his “perfect mix of grit and wanting to compete and win every day.” 

That’s the type of personality that the Pirates need. The type of guy that doesn’t necessarily bring in the big stars but appeals to the ones who grind and finally reap the rewards, as O’Hearn did with his All-Star selection last season. Hopefully as the offseason continues, word will spread.