So far this offseason, most of the talk around the Pirates has been … just that. Talk. They’ve been connected to some big names and have the flexibility to be a player this winter, but like 20-something other teams, it’s been mostly quiet so far.
Next week is a prime opportunity to change that. The Winter Meetings are the busiest days on the offseason calendar, and while there’s never a guarantee they’ll get a deal done, they’ll be talking to teams and agents about how they can improve the 2026 squad.
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The most obvious need is the offense, where they need to add multiple bats. As we prepare for Monday in Orlando, Fla., here are the positions that need to be addressed, with some potential candidates who could improve the roster.
OUTFIELD
If you’re willing to omit the abbreviated 2020 season, Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz had the worst years of their career in 2025. Both could potentially bounce back, but even so, this unit needs an upgrade. The Pirates acquired Top 100 prospect Jhostynxon Garcia on Thursday, and while he could emerge as part of their outfield plan, he’s not viewed as the answer at this time.
The perfect fit: Mike Yastrzemski
Yeah, there are better outfielders on the market, but I’m going with Yastrzemski as a hedged bet. The Pirates could take a bigger swing for their third outfielder, but this lineup needs multiple bats, so let’s go with a safer pick here with the mindset that he would be one of several additions to the team. Yastrzemski has great control of the strike zone, makes hard contact and had a terrific homestretch with the Royals after being acquired at the Trade Deadline (.839 OPS over 50 games). He’d be a high-floor veteran that this lineup could use.
Other fits: If you want a higher ceiling at a higher acquisition cost, the Angels need pitching and have Jo Adell, who just hit 37 home runs with some glowing peripherals. The Red Sox still have an outfield logjam and could be a landing spot for Mitch Keller. In free agency, Mike Tauchman and Austin Hays had quiet but productive seasons, and Adolis García could be a big bounceback candidate.
INFIELD
Top prospect Konnor Griffin is on a trajectory for a 2026 debut, and Spencer Horwitz settled in nicely at first base. The Pirates need more infield help, ideally at third base. Acquiring someone for the hot corner has been a priority since the Ke’Bryan Hayes trade in July.
The perfect fit: Eugenio Suárez
Pirates infielders hit 48 home runs last year. Suárez hit 49. The Pirates haven’t had a player hit 30 home runs since Josh Bell in 2019. Suárez has hit at least 30 in four of the past five seasons.
PNC Park isn’t exactly friendly to right-handed power hitters, but Baseball Savant projected Suárez would have hit 42 expected home runs in Pittsburgh last year. The power is sorely needed, and the third baseman has a reputation of being a great clubhouse guy and leader.
Other fits: General manager Ben Cherington has history with Yoán Moncada, signing him to a $31.5 million bonus when he was with the Red Sox. The Pirates have long been infatuated with Edmundo Sosa, who could play second or shortstop too. Cardinals reporter John Denton lists several infielders on the trade market who would help.
CATCHER
I wouldn’t call this a priority position, but where is the fun in looking at potential designated hitters? The Pirates already have four catchers on their roster, but Joey Bart had a down year offensively, Henry Davis hasn’t shown he can consistently hit Major League pitching, Endy Rodríguez has had two elbow surgeries and Rafael Flores has only 53 games of experience above Double-A. Getting a definitive C1 has appeal.
The perfect fit: J.T. Realmuto
Realmuto’s bat speed went down a tick in 2025, so his offensive output and peripherals were all mostly league average. That’s a down year for the three-time Silver Slugger winner, but his .699 OPS was still a better mark than any Pirates catcher, besides Bart or Yasmani Grandal, has posted since 2022. Even if he’s just an average hitter, he’s still a solid defender and game caller who could help the pitching staff grow.
Other fits: Honestly, the pickings get slim after Realmuto. Danny Jansen had a fine year, and the team has been connected to Gary Sánchez in the past. Rafael Marchán could be a trade candidate if Realmuto returns to Philadelphia, since the Pirates have long been interested in him.