Ryan O'Hearn Compares Pirates to Recent 100-Win Team

The Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping to turn a new leaf in 2026. After years of being at the bottom of the National League Central, the new-look Pirates are hoping to get back to the playoffs 

Part of Pittsburgh’s offseason addition included signing veteran Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year deal. O’Hearn enters a familiar situation with the Pirates. He’s been a part of a number of young teams in the past, both as a member of that young core and as a veteran.

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O’Hearn believes the 2026 Pirates could really surprise some people this season and that it resembles another up-and-coming roster from years past: the 2023 Baltimore Orioles, who went on to win 101 games and finish first in the American League East.

"I'm getting '23 Oriole vibes. I know that team won 101 games, but kind of the same, like, quiet, confidence. Guys feel like we're gonna come out and surprise some people," said O'Hearn (quote via Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun).

"Really fun for me to be a part of that. We've got a lot of really good young players, and added some pieces. I'm very happy with where I ended up and excited to be a pirate this year."

Sep 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (32) hits a grand slam during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

The 2023 season saw the emergence and debuts of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad. That young core was supported by veterans Adam Fraizer, Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, and O’Hearn.

It was the perfect blend of youth and experience that helped the Orioles have their most successful season in years. 

The Pirates do have a similar blueprint emerging in 2026.

The inexperienced players (in terms of postseason experience) on the Pirates include Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and eventually Konnor Griffin. However, newcomers O’Hean, Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna, and Gregory Soto will help fill the gaps.

A 100-win is probably unrealistic for the Pirates, but O’Hearn’s comparison isn’t too far-fetched.

If everything blends together, Pittsburgh’s new experienced veterans could help the Pirates get back to the playoffs this October, just like the Orioles did back in 2023. 

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