Think the Pittsburgh Pirates are done making moves this offseason? Think again! Despite already making waves, General Manager Ben Cherington has made it crystal clear: the Bucs are still actively hunting for opportunities to bolster their roster before Opening Day. This comes even after they proudly introduced Ryan O'Hearn – marking their first multiyear free-agent signing since 2016 and handing him the largest free-agent contract for a position player ever in franchise history.
"We have several weeks between now and Opening Day. It’s our job to use every day to hunt opportunities to get better," Cherington stated definitively. "I’m confident we will continue to add to the roster during that time." He specifically highlighted pitching and the left side of the infield as areas of focus, while also maintaining an opportunistic approach to the outfield. Let's unpack this and look at exactly what Cherington and the Pirates front office might be planning.
Pitching: A Priority After Recent Departures
The Pirates' pitching depth has taken a hit recently, with the trades of Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows, both of whom could have been contenders for the Opening Day rotation. While Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller represent a potentially strong one-two punch (both having thrown 140+ innings in a season), and Jared Jones is on the mend after elbow surgery, the need for experienced, reliable arms is undeniable. Think of it like this: you can have a fancy sports car, but you still need a dependable backup vehicle for everyday use. That's what veteran pitching depth provides.
Here's where it gets interesting: Pittsburgh has historically favored having a left-handed pitcher in their rotation, a strategy that makes sense given PNC Park's dimensions, which tend to favor southpaws. Currently, Hunter Barco (ranked as the Pirates' No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline) is the only left-handed starting option, but his place on the Opening Day roster is far from guaranteed. This could open the door for a reunion with familiar faces like José Quintana or Tyler Anderson, both of whom the Pirates have reportedly been in contact with. But here's where it gets controversial... Should the Pirates prioritize a lefty specifically, or simply focus on acquiring the best available pitching talent, regardless of handedness? What do you think?
Adding pitching doesn't just mean starters, either. The bullpen is another area where the Pirates could look to improve. They've already brought in lefties like Aroldis Chapman and Jose Hernandez, but reports from the Winter Meetings suggested the team would revisit the reliever market once their offensive needs were addressed. With O'Hearn in the fold, that time might be now.
Outfield: Potential and Opportunity
The Pirates clearly recognized the need to upgrade their outfield this winter, and they've taken steps to do so. While the additions of players like Billy McKinney and Joshua Palacios bring contact, speed, and defensive prowess, there's a relative lack of Major League experience in the group. Consider this: While potential is exciting, proven performance at the highest level is invaluable.
Ryan O'Hearn's versatility allows him to play some outfield, but he's also expected to see time at first base and designated hitter. Jack Suwinski will get another chance to prove himself in Spring Training, but after struggling the past two seasons, the Pirates can't solely rely on him. This leaves the door open for other prospects to compete for playing time. There's potential here, absolutely, but a little more depth would certainly provide Manager Derek Shelton with more options and flexibility.
Infield: Finding the Right Fit
Top prospect Konnor Griffin will have an opportunity to showcase his skills during Spring Training, potentially earning a spot on the roster. Jared Triolo also solidified his position with a strong finish to the season. It's possible that these two could effectively handle shortstop and third base. And this is the part most people miss... Triolo's versatility to play multiple infield positions gives the Pirates tremendous flexibility. However, given that Griffin is still young and inexperienced (he hasn't yet played at the Triple-A level), exploring the market for additional infield options makes sense.
While there was some buzz around Eugenio Suárez, a deal seems unlikely at this point. The Pirates have also reportedly inquired about Yoán Moncada, who, despite dealing with injuries in recent years, posted an impressive .815 OPS against right-handed pitchers last season. This could make him an appealing platoon partner for Triolo, who excels against lefties (.798 OPS).
So, what do you think, Pirates fans? Are you satisfied with the moves the team has made so far, or do you believe they need to be even more aggressive in adding talent before Opening Day? Which positions should they prioritize? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
