SARASOTA, Fla. — In his first game playing in front of an Orioles crowd since being traded at last season’s deadline, Ryan O’Hearn reminded Baltimore what it gave up.
After fans at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday greeted the new Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman with a standing ovation, O’Hearn responded two at-bats later with a three-run homer off Orioles reliever Dietrich Enns to break the already-lopsided contest wide open.
Ryan O’Hearn revenge game? The former Oriole goes yard off Dietrich Enns with a three-run homer to put the Pirates ahead 8-1 here in Sarasota. pic.twitter.com/exjulX7EDs
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 21, 2026
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to him, unfortunately, hopefully I will before he leaves,” said starter Dean Kremer, who retired O’Hearn on a flyout in the first inning. “But yeah, it’s good to see him. I’m super happy for him. He’s earned everything that he’s gotten. Beyond proud and happy.”
O’Hearn hugged catcher Adley Rutschman when he walked up to the plate for his first at-bat and the home plate umpire called a short timeout to give fans the opportunity to recognize their former All-Star.
Ryan O’Hearn gives Adley Rutschman a hug and the home crowd salutes the former Orioles All-Star with a standing ovation as he steps to the plate. pic.twitter.com/9jn6bHG1Wy
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 21, 2026
The Orioles traded O’Hearn to the San Diego Padres last July, just weeks after he served as the club’s lone representative at the All-Star Game. He then signed a two-year, $29 million deal with Pittsburgh over the offseason as part of the Pirates’ attempt to jump into the playoff mix and capitalize on having star pitcher Paul Skenes in the rotation.
O’Hearn originally arrived in Baltimore in a cash deal with the Kansas City Royals, working his way up from a Triple-A demotion to a member of the Orioles’ everyday lineup. However, the Orioles’ disappointing season coupled with the need to get playing time for then-top prospect Coby Mayo prompted Baltimore to move on. The Orioles then signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract in free agency to shore up the first base position.
This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Matt Weyrich at mweyrich@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/ByMattWeyrich and instagram.com/bymattweyrich. Matt appears as a regular host on The Sun’s “Early Birds” podcast.
