Pirates Made Competitive Offer for Eugenio Suárez

It was also the Pirates' first multi-year position player free agent signing in more than a decade, with outfielder John Jaso doing so for two years, $8 million on Dec. 23, 2015.

The Pirates have been aggressive in the free agent market and even offered a club record contract to designated hitter Kyle Schwarber at four years, $125 million, a higher AAV than the contract he re-signed with the Phillies on, five years, $150 million.

Pittsburgh was also reportedly a finalist along with the Reds, but Suárez ended up choosing to go back to where he spent the longest tenure of his career, seven seasons from 2015-21.

The Pirates could've gotten something done, likely with a higher AAV of $20 million, but Suárez also benefits from playing at Great American Ball Park, which is kind to right-handed power bats, something PNC Park is not.

Cincinnati also made the postseason in 2025, something Pittsburgh hasn't done since 2015, the second-longest absence of any MLB team.

Where the Pirates Go From Here

Suárez was the last good third base option for the Pirates this winter, with little left in the free agent market and likely unattainable trade options as well.

The Pirates missed out on the likes of Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto and other third base free agents like Willi Castro, Jorge Polanco and Yoán Moncada.

Free agents that remain include former Pirate Isiah Kiner-Falefa and potential options like Ramón Urías and Luis Rengifo, neither of whom possesses the power Suárez does.

The trade market has players that would benefit the Pirates, but not without them parting with some of their best talent.

Pittsburgh does have a top farm system, but prospects are reportedly not what MLB teams want, with many also having playoff aspirations themselves.

The Pirates traded right-handed starting pitcher in Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros as part of the three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, where they added second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and left-handed relief pitcher Mason Montgomery.

Pittsburgh also traded Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox, where they added outfield prospect Jhostynxon García and right-handed pitching prospect Jesus Travieso.

Some trade options that make sense for the Pirates include Brent Baty and Mark Vientos from the New York Mets, Alec Bohm with the Phillies and Isaac Paredes with the Houston Astros.

Paredes would make the most sense, a right-handed bat that hit 20 home runs, but how well he would produce at PNC Park is questionable. Baty and Bohm will likely serve as important pieces for their respective teams and Vientos isn't necessarily expendable either in New York.

The Pirates still have to add left-handed starting pitching, another outfielder and need to make a decision on Andrew McCutchen's future, along with potentially signing a corner infielder.

Jared Triolo looks like the Pirates' starting third baseman in 2026, with Nick Gonzales at shortstop.

There's also a chance top prospect and shortstop Konnor Griffin makes the Opening Day lineup, but the Pirates likely won't move the 19-year old up too quickly unless he shows he's ready.