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Pirates Named Top Fit for Padres Slugger

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 7:38 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Pirates’ Path to the Top‑Fit Title

For the 2023 season, the Pirates’ front office and medical staff collaborated to implement a comprehensive fitness and injury‑prevention strategy that yielded tangible results. In a recent press briefing, Pirates General Manager Andrew Friedman remarked, “We’ve invested heavily in our player development and medical teams. Seeing our players perform at their best and remain healthy is the ultimate reward.” The organization’s strategy included state‑of‑the‑art wearable technology to monitor workloads, individualized strength and conditioning regimens, and a proactive rehabilitation pipeline that allowed key contributors to return to the field quickly.

The Pirates’ efforts translated into a noticeable reduction in sideline time. According to MLB’s injury report, the Pirates incurred the lowest number of major injuries among all teams, with only five players missing a full month or more during the season. In particular, the organization’s work with pitcher Chris Bassitt, who faced a high‑intensity workload, paid off as he remained available for 27 consecutive starts, a rare accomplishment in modern baseball. The front office also credited its athletic trainers for implementing a “biomechanics first” approach, ensuring pitchers and position players executed mechanics that minimized strain.

San Diego Padres’ Recognition

While the Pirates took home the top‑fit award, the Padres were also acknowledged for their commitment to player health. The Padres’ 2023 season saw a notable improvement in the availability of their core pitching staff, thanks in part to a robust conditioning program overseen by Head Coach Mike Thompson and the team’s Medical Director, Dr. Elena Ruiz. The organization’s emphasis on load management and recovery was praised by MLB officials, who highlighted the Padres’ success as a benchmark for other teams.

Ryan O’Hearn: A Name Behind the Numbers

One of the key figures spotlighted in the Padres’ wellness program is Ryan O’Hearn, the organization’s Minor League Pitching Coordinator. A former minor‑league pitcher who transitioned to coaching after a brief professional playing career, O’Hearn has been with the Padres since 2018. His coaching philosophy centers on biomechanics and individualized pitch‑type development, ensuring pitchers can maximize velocity while reducing injury risk. O’Hearn’s impact is evident in the performance of several Padres prospects, such as left‑hander Jalen Lutz, who improved his velocity by 3 mph in the 2023 season under O’Hearn’s guidance. MLB analysts note that O’Hearn’s emphasis on data‑driven adjustments has contributed significantly to the Padres’ reduced injury rates.

Broader MLB Context

The “Fit & Healthy” program, launched by MLB in 2020 in response to the pandemic’s heightened focus on athlete wellness, seeks to reward teams that prioritize preventive medicine, training science, and recovery protocols. Each year, MLB selects a panel of experts—including physicians, athletic trainers, and conditioning coaches—to evaluate teams based on criteria such as injury incidence, medical staffing, and the integration of technology into player monitoring.

In 2023, the selection panel recognized not only the Pirates and Padres but also highlighted teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees for their comprehensive health programs. The program’s visibility has encouraged teams across the league to adopt advanced metrics, wearable devices, and evidence‑based training regimens.

Implications for the Future

The Pirates’ top‑fit recognition carries both prestige and practical implications. With the award’s spotlight, the organization is likely to secure additional funding for medical research and player development initiatives. It also positions the Pirates as a model for other franchises looking to emulate their success. For the Padres, the acknowledgment of their wellness program and the work of individuals like Ryan O’Hearn reinforces the organization’s reputation for cultivating a culture that values longevity and performance.

MLB’s commitment to “Fit & Healthy” underscores the league’s broader shift toward holistic athlete care. As teams increasingly rely on data and science to manage workloads, the recognition of the Pirates and Padres illustrates how a culture of health can translate into both competitive advantage and industry leadership.