Pirates need to continue improving even after adding Brandon Lowe

While Lowe is not quite on the same level as Schwarber or any of the elite free agents on the market, he is an All-Star-level hitter (twice appearing in the game) who is coming off a 31-home run season in 2025. His 31 home runs would have been by far the most on the Pirates roster in 2025, while his 116 OPS+ would have trailed only the 118 posted by first basemen Spencer Horwitz.

Horwitz, it is worth pointing out, was the only Pirates player to finish with an OPS+ over 100 (with 100 being a league-average hitter).  

In other words, it is a significant move.

Mangum is an intriguing outfield option but is probably best suited for a fourth outfield or platoon role (perhaps with outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, who was acquired earlier this offseason from the Boston Red Sox in the Johan Oviedo trade). 

Montgomery has electric stuff out of the bullpen, but needs to harness his control. 

All of the offseason additions so far by the Pirates have been solid on their own.

But they can not be satisfied or content with what they have done. They still need to keep pushing for more. The left side of the infield still has massive holes at third base and shortstop. Top prospect Konnor Griffin, currently the top prospect in baseball, figures to fill the latter hole at some point in 2026, but they have no such option at third base. An upgrade at designated hitter should be in play. Even after adding Lowe's $11.5 million salary, they still have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. 

They have a window to compete. They have the pitching staff to compete. The trade on Friday is a nice step toward getting them closer to contention. If they are truly serious about it, they need to make at least one more move just like it. Maybe even two of them.