Pirates in Tough Position in Middle of Offseason

Pittsburgh, if they aren't going to make another big free agent signing, will rely on the trade market, but Rosenthal and Sammon don't see teams wanting prospects for their star players, as they also want to win.

"The Pirates suddenly are in a quandary," Rosenthal and Sammon wrote.

"They made two trades to acquire three hitters — second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielders Jake Mangum and Jhostynxon Garcia. Their lack of success in the free-agent market, outside of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, means another trade for offensive help might be necessary. Such a deal will be difficult to pull off."

"With so many clubs trying to win, few are willing to accept prospects in trades. That, however, is the kind of deal the Pirates want to make. As the free-agent market thins, any player they move off their major-league roster will be difficult to replace.

"The Pirates entered the offseason seeking to add one or two regulars plus two to four less proven position players who would add depth. Lowe and O’Hearn will be regulars. Mangum and Garcia represent depth. The Pirates still need more."

What the Pirates Still Need This Offseason

Pittsburgh still needs more bats for their lineup, which ranked the worst in numerous categories.

The additions of Lowe and O'Hearn show that they have improved it, but it's not enough if the Pirates want to end their decade-long postseason absence.

Third base is a position where the Pirates could definitely improve, especially on offense, after they decided trading Gold Glove Award winner Ke'Bryan Hayes and his contract was the best decision.

Eugenio Suárez, who hit 49 home runs in 2025, is one player the Pirates have interest in, but as he turns 35 this year, the Pirates might have trepidation towards signing him to a long-term, expesnive deal.

The Pirates missed out on Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, a power bat with good contact that has played third base for many years. Okamoto instead chose the Toronto Blue Jays and will serve as a utility player there.

Pittsburgh also failed to sign other top free agents, including Kyle Schwarber and Josh Naylor, who they reportedly offered record contracts, plus Pete Alonso, Munetaka Murakami andJorge Polanco.

Outside of top bats, the Pirates will also want to sign a left-handed starting pitcher, plus a closer as well.

The Pirates have wanted to trade right-handed starting pitcher Mitch Keller in the past, also moving the final $55 million of his extension he signed, but teams reportedly don't see Keller as a top-tier starter worthy of trading their best offense for.

With the way things are trending, the Pirates may not make another big time signing that fans desperately crave and what the team really needs for 2026.