The Pittsburgh Pirates came up empty once again in their search for a marquee third baseman with Eugenio Suarez signing with the division rival Cincinnati Reds.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Suarez signed to a one-year deal worth $15 million that includes a mutual option for 2027 with the Reds on Sunday. Suarez previously played with Cincinnati from 2015-2021.
Suarez was a name that was reportedly on the Pirates’ radar for the entire offseason. Following the team’s trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes the club
has been pursuing another strong corner infielder that can also add a quality bat to their lineup. Suarez was one of the best power threats in baseball in 2025 as he finished with 49 homers, 118 RBIs and a .526 slug rate. Only five other players have hit more home runs than Suarez since 2018.
Pittsburgh Pirates beat reporter, Alex Stumpf, reported that the Buccos offered the same AAV to Suarez in their pitches that the Reds did and were even willing to do a multi-year deal. Stumpf cited that the familiarity Suarez had with the club and the favorable hitting venue of Great American Ball Park played a factor as Suarez signing with Cincinnati. Given that this kind of player is not often on the market for that price, the Pirates should have done more than just match the Red’s offer and went all in on signing the best bat left on the free-agent market.
Because of how late in the offseason that Suarez signed with a team, it leaves the Pirates very little options left in free-agency, especially considering the fact that pitchers and catchers are going to be reporting for Spring Training in about a week. The clock is not on the Pirates’ side, nor is the shrinking market.
General Manager Ben Cherington has been aggressive in the trade market but the organization is running out of pieces that they can move without sacrificing too much from the core of the team. Pittsburgh may have arguably already traded away too much from their pitching stock this offseason so that will be off the table, and all of their top position players are still prospects. These factors will make it difficult for Cherington and company to find many trade partners.
With Spring Training coming quickly, all signs are pointing to Jared Triolo being the Pirates’ starter at third base. As a defender Triolo is world class. In the past he’s been primarily used as a utility player, but he has shined in that role and won a Gold Glove Award in 2024 when MLB started recognizing utility fielders for nomination. There were many times when Triolo filled in for an injured Hayes and excelled defensively.
Triolo’s offense has been largely underwhelming, which is a big reason why Pittsburgh was looking to add a power bat at their hot corner. Triolo’s numbers last year were average at best, but perhaps with a more consistent role in the lineup he will show more improvements in 2026. Triolo appeared in 107 games in 2025, slashing .227/.311/.356 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs.
Pittsburgh’s offseason is far from over though they are running out of time. Management has hinted at wanting to add another arm to their rotation, preferably a lefty, as well as adding a depth piece to their outfield. With that being said it is not looking likely that the Pirates will be getting their next third baseman of the future this winter.
