Three offseason focal points for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Another year, and another disappointing season for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

There was some hope that the Pirates would be able to take a step forward in 2025 due to their young pitching staff, headlined by ace Paul Skenes. Pirates' pitching did their part, posting a 3.76 ERA, the seventh-best mark in the majors. However, the lineup struggled more than expected, ranking last in the majors with a .665 OPS and a mere 583 runs scored.

Saddled with an owner who refuses to spend, the Pirates have a narrow path to contending. Difficult conversations may need to happen if the Pirates are going to end the majors' second-longest postseason drought. Otherwise, the Pirates run of mediocrity may continue for the foreseeable future.

Let's take a look at the areas the Pirates need to focus on during the offseason.

1. Time for that discussion about Paul Skenes

For virtually any other team, the idea of trading Skenes before he is arbitation eligible would be unthinkable. However, with the Pirates, such a move cannot be ruled out.

Trade rumors had already swirled around Skenes ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. Those rumors will continue into the offseason, with Andy Martino of SNY predicting that the Mets will pursue the Pirates' ace. Such a trade could be franchise altering for the Pirates — a high-risk move that bring back multiple pieces of a playoff team or set the organization even further back.

2. Find what they can in the bargain bin

The Pirates, predictably, did not do much during the 2024-25 offseason, with the return of outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen and acquisition of infielder Spencer Horwitz as their biggest moves. Horwitz, who posted a .272/.353/.434 batting line in 411 plate appearances, hitting 11 homers and 26 doubles, ended up as the Pirates' most valuable position player.

If the Pirates are going to take a step toward contending, they need other players to step up. Outfielder Oneil Cruz has continued to tantalize with his talent but has yet to put everything together. Fellow outfielder Bryan Reynolds had a down year but should bounce back in 2026. However, that will not be enough. Potential free agent bargains such as utility man Amed Rosario and outfielder Michael Conforto are not likely to cost much but could help the Pirates put together a respectable lineup. 

3. Trade pitcher Mitch Keller

The Pirates have plenty of young pitching, with top pitching prospects Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco on the cusp of reaching the majors. Meanwhile, pitcher Mitch Keller is the highest-paid player on the Pirates and is due another $55.7M over the next three years. While that salary would be reasonable for almost any other team, it does make an impact on Pittsburgh's shoestring budget.

As a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm with three years of team control remaining, Keller should have plenty of interest on the trade front. Keller could bring back a needed bat or two for the Pirates' lineup. Although the Pirates rebuffed offers for Keller at the 2025 trade deadline, making a trade may be the best way for Pittsburgh to that needed step forward.