Pirates' Starter Steps Up in Leadership Hunt Ahead of Postseason Shift
The Bucs are hoping to hit better this year.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Ryan O'Hearn #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles in a spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 11, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country.
Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. The Pittsburgh Pirates are sitting at 16-7 on the spring, and some rejuvenated hitting is one of the main reasons why. It obviously remains to be seen if that carries over into the regular season, but the team certanly has more good hitters on the squad in order to hopefully accomplish that.
We asked you to cast your vote for who you thought would be the Bucs’ best hitter this upcoming season, and this is what you said. Quick note that we left off Konnor Griffin due to the uncertainty behind when he would be joining the varsity. Ryan O’Hearn was your pick with almost 30 percent of the vote, though each player on the list had a pretty good showing.
Brandon Lowe came in second, with Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and Marcell Ozuna all bunched up behind him. So there you have it, O’Hearn is the fans pick for the Bucs best hitter. Don’t forget, with the season close to starting, FanDuel offers game bets, playoff bets, Division winners and player props.