Pirates’ O’Hearn Overlooked in All-Star Voting Despite Record Contract and Offensive Surge
Manager Don Kelly highlights O’Hearn’s resilience and versatility, but teammates Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz lead the vote-getting among Pirates players.
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O’Hearn has been largely excluded from the National League All-Star voting for the 2026 season, despite delivering a statistically strong campaign following a franchise-record contract extension. Signed in January to a two-year, $29 million deal, O’Hearn’s selection marked the largest free-agent payout for a hitter in club history and the first multi-year free-agent agreement in a decade.
Despite the significant financial commitment and his on-field contributions, O’Hearn has received fewer votes than teammates Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz. The 32-year-old left-handed hitter is currently posting a .274/.333/.447 slash line with 11 home runs, 65 hits, and 41 RBIs. He has also demonstrated defensive flexibility, playing first base, right field, and designated hitter throughout the season.
Pirates manager Don Kelly has credited O’Hearn with providing a stabilising veteran presence that has helped transform the team’s offence. The Pirates, who ranked last in home runs and runs scored in 2025, have seen a marked improvement in 2026. Kelly noted O’Hearn’s resilience, citing his journey from being designated for assignment to starting in the 2025 American League All-Star Game as evidence of the toughness the organisation values.
O’Hearn’s individual performances have included a career-high six RBIs in a single game against the Oakland Athletics on June 17, 2026, a feat highlighted by FOX Sports the following day. His defensive capabilities were also noted on June 23, when he made a catch in right field to rob Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez of extra bases.
Although O’Hearn was a 2025 American League All-Star while with the Baltimore Orioles, he remains outside the top vote-getters in the National League. Cruz, despite time spent on the injured list, remains in the top 20 for outfield votes, while Horwitz leads among first basemen. O’Hearn has expressed strong commitment to the club, stating he researched the organisation’s pitching and potential before signing, viewing the Pirates as a legitimate contender.
