Pirates were active last offseason. What can we learn from it?

To move forward, you must learn from the past. The Pirates made plenty of moves before the 2026 season that helped produce an 11-win improvement and the team’s first winning record since 2018.

With the Hot Stove heating up and the Pirates looking to take further steps toward snapping an 11-year playoff drought, let’s reflect on the trades and signings that shaped the previous season.

12/4/25: Pirates trade RHP Johan Oviedo, LHP Tyler Samaniego and C Adonys Guzman to the Red Sox for OF Jhostynxon Garcia and RHP Jesus Travieso

Better known as “The Password,” Garcia was the key piece in this deal. He played in 20 MLB games this year but never found his stride at the plate. Oviedo missed most of the season with an elbow issue, and Samaniego had a 2.66 ERA in 20 appearances.

With Garcia’s potential power and arm strength, it’s still too early to assess the outcome of this trade.

12/15/25: Pirates sign free agent LHP Gregory Soto to a one-year, $7.75 million deal

Soto put together his best season since back-to-back All-Star campaigns in 2021-22. The veteran left-hander posted a 3.63 ERA in 69 games while working as a high-leverage reliever.

Soto was at his best in July and August. Across 24 innings, Soto allowed four earned runs while striking out 27 batters and posting a 1.50 ERA. He’ll command more money on the open market this winter.

12/19/25: Pirates trade RHP Mike Burrows in a three-team deal for 2B Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery

This turned out to be one of the better trades in recent franchise history. Lowe became one of the best second basemen in baseball as he hit 35 home runs and showed improvements on defense. Montgomery emerged as one of the sport’s top relievers and saved 18 games.

And then there was Mangum, who held his own while filling in for Oneil Cruz most of the summer. He was also named the Pittsburgh BBWAA chapter’s Good Guy Award winner.

1/8/26: Pirates sign free agent 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal

O’Hearn’s deal was the largest the Pirates have ever given to a free-agent position player. He dealt with multiple quad issues but set a career high in home runs (18) while driving in 76 runs.

The left-handed slugger provided a season highlight with his 10-RBI performance on July 7. He’s likely to play more first base in 2027.

2/16/26: Pirates sign free agent DH Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million deal

Ozuna never got going in Pittsburgh, hitting .203 before being designated for assignment in early August. His struggles created a season-long issue for the Pirates, as they never could find consistent production against left-handed pitching.

3/4/26: Pirates trade RHP Kyle Nicolas for IF/OF Tyler Callihan

Nicolas was designated for assignment three times after this trade, first by the Reds, then the Orioles, then the Nationals. Meanwhile, Callihan provided defensive versatility in 40 games before a July slump ended his time in the Majors. His season highlight was taking Shohei Ohtani deep for his first MLB home run.

What there is to learn

While Pittsburgh made multiple in-season additions to bolster the bullpen and fill other holes, it was these offseason moves that made the biggest impact.

Lowe and O’Hearn each had career years and were a large reason why the Pirates finished sixth in OPS as a team after finishing last in 2025. Arguably the biggest win of the offseason, though, was acquiring Montgomery. His development gives the Pirates a potential closer for the next several years, as he won’t be a free agent until after the 2030 season.

And what does this all mean going into this offseason?

The Pirates may again look to address their deficiencies against left-handed pitching by finding a right-handed bat who also brings some defensive versatility. They’ll also seek left-handed pitching to balance out the right-handed-heavy group.