Think the Pittsburgh Pirates' offseason is over? Think again! Despite making some moves, including inking Ryan O'Hearn to a multi-year deal (the largest free-agent contract for a position player in franchise history since 2016, no less!), General Manager Ben Cherington is signaling that the team is far from finished. In fact, he's explicitly stated that the Pirates will continue to actively seek opportunities to improve the roster before Opening Day. But here's where it gets interesting: where exactly will they focus their efforts?
Cherington has identified a few key areas. "[We] would like to add back to pitching," he said, acknowledging recent trades that thinned their pitching depth. He also emphasized the desire to bolster the position-player group, particularly on the left side of the infield. "You look at the left side of the infield; obviously there are guys we like... But if we could add someone on the left side of the infield, that’s something we’ll keep an eye out for." And this is the part most people miss: Cherington also mentioned remaining "opportunistic" in the outfield. So, let's dive into each of these areas and see what the Pirates might be cooking up.
Pitching: A Priority After Recent Trades
The Pirates' pitching situation is arguably the most pressing. Trading away Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows, both potential Opening Day starters, has created a clear need for reinforcements. While Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller are reliable workhorses (the only two on the roster to have thrown 140 innings in a season), and Jared Jones shows promise, the team could definitely benefit from adding veteran depth.
Pittsburgh has historically favored having a left-handed pitcher in their rotation, a strategy that plays well with PNC Park's dimensions. Currently, rookie Hunter Barco is the only southpaw starting option, and his place on the Opening Day roster is far from guaranteed. While it's not a given that the Pirates will pursue a lefty, a reunion with José Quintana or Tyler Anderson (both of whom the club has reportedly been in contact with) could be a smart move. But here's a controversial interpretation: should the Pirates prioritize finding the best pitcher available, regardless of handedness, or stick to their preference for a lefty, even if it means settling for a less impactful player?
And let's not forget the bullpen! The Pirates have already added lefties in Aroldis Chapman and Josh Fleming, but the expectation was that they would revisit the reliever market after addressing their offensive needs. With those needs seemingly addressed (at least for now), it's possible we'll see more bullpen moves soon.
Outfield: Potential, But Lacking Experience
The Pirates undeniably improved their outfield this winter. Consider the additions of prospects like Matt Gorski, Canaan Smith-Njigba, and Billy McKinney. These players offer contact, speed, and defensive capabilities. However, there's a significant lack of Major League experience among them. While O'Hearn can provide some outfield coverage, he's also expected to see time at first base and designated hitter. Jack Suwinski will get another chance this Spring Training, but his struggles in recent years raise questions about his reliability. This leaves players like Nick Gonzales and Esmerlyn Valdez as other options on the roster. While they have potential, a little more depth would be a welcome addition. But is relying on potential enough for a team aiming to compete?
Infield: Opportunity for Youth, Room for Improvement
All eyes will be on Konnor Griffin, the No. 1 overall prospect, as he vies for a spot on the roster during Spring Training. Jared Triolo also solidified his position with a strong finish to the season. While there's a scenario where the two competently handle shortstop and third base, Triolo's versatility and Griffin's youth (he's still just 19 and hasn't played at Triple-A) suggest that the Pirates will continue to explore infield options.
While there was some buzz around Eugenio Suárez, that deal seems unlikely at this point. The Pirates have also reportedly checked in on Yoán Moncada. Despite his recent injury history, Moncada posted an impressive .815 OPS against right-handed pitchers last year, making him an appealing platoon partner for Triolo, who excels against lefties. But here's where it gets controversial...is Moncada's potential upside worth the risk of his injury history?
So, what do you think, Pirates fans? Are you satisfied with the team's offseason moves so far, or do you believe they still need to make significant additions? Which areas should they prioritize? And are you excited about the potential of the young players in the system, or would you prefer to see more established veterans on the roster? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
