Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan O'Hearn

How Ryan O'Hearn built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ryan O'Hearn is an American professional baseball player currently playing as a first baseman and designated hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in MLB. Prior to joining the Pirates, he played for the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, and San Diego Padres. A notable career highlight includes being selected as an All-Star in 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Not Drafted out of High School

In 2011, Ryan O'Hearn was not drafted out of high school, and he enrolled to play college baseball at Sam Houston State University.

2014: Drafted by Kansas City Royals

In 2014, Ryan O'Hearn was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball draft. He signed and spent the year with the Idaho Falls Chukars, earning recognition as Pioneer League MVP and a postseason all-star.

2014: Junior Season at Sam Houston State

In 2014, during his junior season at Sam Houston State University, Ryan O'Hearn batted .292 with eight home runs and 44 RBIs in 62 games.

2015: Started with Lexington Legends and Promoted

In 2015, Ryan O'Hearn started with the Lexington Legends and was promoted to the Wilmington Blue Rocks after a strong performance. He was named a mid-season all star.

2016: Played with Wilmington and Northwest Arkansas

In 2016, Ryan O'Hearn played with both the Wilmington Blue Rocks and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, recording a combined .275/.351/.478 slash line with 22 home runs and 78 RBIs.

2017: Played with Omaha and Northwest Arkansas

In 2017, Ryan O'Hearn played with the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, batting .253 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs in 133 total games.

July 31, 2018: MLB Debut

On July 31, 2018, Ryan O'Hearn was called up to the major leagues and hit a home run in his first game.

2019: Struggled at MLB Level

In 2019, Ryan O'Hearn struggled offensively at the MLB level, hitting only .195 with 14 home runs and 38 RBI. While at Triple-A Omaha he batted .295/.383/.597 with 9 home runs and 28 RBI.

2021: Played with Omaha and Royals

In 2021, Ryan O'Hearn batted .375/.451/.931 with 15 home runs for the Omaha Storm Chasers. He batted .225/.268/.369 with 9 home runs for the Royals.

December 28, 2022: Designated for Assignment

On December 28, 2022, Ryan O'Hearn was designated for assignment by the Royals to create a roster spot after they signed Jordan Lyles.

January 3, 2023: Traded to the Baltimore Orioles

On January 3, 2023, Ryan O'Hearn was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations.

April 13, 2023: Orioles Debut

On April 13, 2023, Ryan O'Hearn's contract was selected by the Orioles, adding him to the major league roster and he debuted that afternoon. He had his first three-RBI game in two years.

2023: Career-High in Hits

In 2023, Ryan O'Hearn had a career-high for hits in a game with five hits against the Houston Astros on September 18. He was recognised as a key contributor for the Orioles.

2023: Increased Playing Time

In 2023, Ryan O'Hearn saw increased playing time due to strong performance and Ryan Mountcastle's absence. O'Hearn hit the ball with power and had a high rate of hard-hit balls.