The Pittsburgh Pirates are making some noise in the offseason and they could be a team to watch in free agency.
The BD staff got together and shared which player they want the Pirates to target in free agency.
Austin Bechtold
The Pirates should sign third baseman Eugenio Suarez. After training for Brandon Lowe, the Pirates would be adding 80 home runs to their lineup. In 2025, the Pirates as a team hit 117. Suarez, 34, won’t command a significant contract for four to five years, but a three-year, $60
million deal could be enough to get Suarez to Pittsburgh. The Pirates need more offensive in their lineup and Suarez feels like a logical and perfect fit.
Darren Yuvan
Outfielder Harrison Bader declined his player option with the Phillies and is coming off of a season in which he hit .277 with 17 homers and 54 RBIs at a position of need for The Bucs. His options was for $10 million, so the Bucs will need to over that on a multi-year deal.
First baseman Luis Arraez hit .292 with 8 homers and 62 RBIs and would immediately become one of Pittsburgh’s best hitters. He’s said to be seeking a multi-year worth $12 million per season. Doable for the Bucs.
Of course someone like Alex Bregman or Cody Bellinger are fits anywhere, but the Bucs aren’t affording those guys. It’s likely more bargain hunting at the end of the day.
Ethan Coulehan
The player the pirates should target during free agency is designated hitter and first baseman Ryan O Hearn. He spent last season with the Orioles and the Padres. He had 17 HRs and 63 RBIs last season. O’Hearn isn’t this monster name in free agency but he is someone that would bring power to the batting lineup.
Jaiman White
One of the most proven hitting prospects in this free-agent class is Kazuma Okamoto. With Murakami signing with Chicago, the Pirates are still in the running for his fellow countryman in Okamoto.
Okamoto is entering his age-30 season and has proven mechanics at the plate. The Japanese veteran star would be a source of offensive consistency if he were to sign with Pittsburgh.
Jeremy Brener
The Pirates are going to need a starting pitcher to replace Mike Burrows, who was traded to the Houston Astros in a three-team deal that netted the Bucs Brandon Lowe. A veteran arm that can eat up innings in the backend of the rotation would be ideal. Someone like Kenta Maeda or Tony Gonsolin could be a good fit as a low-risk, high-reward veteran that could be moved at the trade deadline for a prospect.
