Pittsburgh Pirates Seek Offensive Boost Amid Promising Pitching Talent

As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for the 2026 season, the team finds itself at a crucial crossroads. With an impressive young pitching staff in place, the Pirates are now on the hunt for offensive support to complement their hurlers. General manager Ben Cherington recently expressed optimism, stating that the front office has “more flexibility than they’ve had in [any] other offseasons” since he took the helm in 2020.

This newfound financial latitude could see the Pirates committing between $30 million to $40 million to their payroll for the upcoming season, a substantial increase compared to previous years. In the past two offseasons, the team spent just over $30 million each year, dropping to around $20 million last winter. Notably, the Pirates have not signed a multi-year free agent contract in nearly a decade, with the $10.5 million deal for Aroldis Chapman marking the only eight-figure free agent signing during Cherington’s tenure.

The recent trade deadline saw the Pirates offload the remaining four years and $36 million of Ke’Bryan Hayes’ contract, alongside the trade of David Bednar to the Yankees, which eliminated an arbitration salary projected at $9 million. With $30.5 million already committed to key players Mitch Keller and Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates are poised to spend an estimated $12 million to $15 million on their arbitration class. This financial maneuvering positions them to potentially add significant talent while remaining competitive.

Cherington has hinted at a more aggressive approach in free agency this offseason. Despite previous attempts to secure multi-year contracts that have fallen through, the Pirates may have the payroll space to pursue notable names such as Gleyber Torres or Trent Grisham, should they choose to focus their resources on a single impactful acquisition. Other potential targets include Ha-Seong Kim, Luis Arraez, Ryan O’Hearn, and Harrison Bader, all of whom could fit into the Pirates’ plans without the burden of a qualifying offer.

Additionally, the Pirates might consider leveraging their strong starting pitching on the trade market. Moving Keller could free up another $16.5 million, potentially allowing the team to acquire mid-tier hitters to bolster their lineup. With Spencer Horwitz expected to take on a significant role at first base and Oneil Cruz likely shifting to center field, the Pirates have a pressing need for offensive reinforcements across various positions.

While top prospect Konnor Griffin is seen as the long-term solution at shortstop, the current roster lacks certainty in many areas. As the Pirates navigate this offseason, the focus will be on how they can effectively enhance their offensive capabilities while maintaining the strength of their pitching staff. With the right moves, the Pirates could position themselves as a more formidable contender in the coming seasons, making this offseason one of critical importance for the franchise.