Ryan O'Hearn's contract with Pirates is history not made since 2016 for Pittsburgh free agency

Billy Heyen

Ryan O'Hearn's contract with Pirates is history not made since 2016 for Pittsburgh free agency image

David Frerker-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates don't do this.

For better or worse, the Pirates don't invest heavily in free agency.

That changed at least a bit on Tuesday, when the Pirates reached agreement with Ryan O'Hearn on a contract to add some thump to their batting lineup.

There's something extra unusual about this O'Hearn contract, though: It was for multiple years.

O'Hearn is expected to get two years and $29 million.

And the Pirates hadn't signed a free agent to a multi-year deal since 2016.

On Dec. 22, 2016, Pittsburgh signed pitcher Ivan Nova to a two-year contract.

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They hadn't given a free agent more than one year since then.

It's hard to believe, but it's true.

That makes O'Hearn proof of real investment in this roster. He may not be the biggest name, but he's got some solid power in his bat.

And he won't be in Pittsburgh just for one season.

O'Hearn should be a fan favorite for the Pirates if his bat players there the way it has in Kansas City, Baltimore and San Diego.

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Contributing Writer