Playing GM: Pittsburgh Pirates Offseason Edition
The Pittsburgh Pirates finished 2025 below .500 for the seventh consecutive season, with a record of 71-91.After posting the worst rankings, in most offensive categories this year, the Bucs will need to significantly improve the lineup this offseason.
Just for fun, I’ve decided to play the role of Pirates general manager, to try and realistically upgrade the roster.
Designated hitter
Following the past three seasons as the team’s primary designated hitter, it’s time to part ways with Andrew McCutchen.
Filling in as the DH next season will be Bryan Reynolds. The veteran switch-hitter is coming off his worst season offensively, but perhaps he could rebound to his All-Star level form.
Catcher
While the bat continues to be lackluster for Henry Davis, Pirates pitchers have raved about his defensive abilities, and he’s now become the personal backstop to Paul Skenes. Based on his improved offensive numbers in the second half of the year, Joey Bart should return to the catching fold. Rafael Flores, who was the main trade piece in the David Bednar deal from the New York Yankees, will be in the mix as well.
First base
After missing the first month of a season with a wrist injury, Spencer Horwitz was the Pirates first baseman for the most part. He was the OPS+ leader at 118.
Heading into the last couple weeks of the season, Horwitz played more second base.
Transaction: Acquire Ryan Mountcastle from the Baltimore Orioles for RHP Thomas Harrington and IF/OF Ji-hwan Bae.
Mountcastle is coming off a down year; posting .653 OPS. However, he was a two-win player in 2023 and 2024. Mountcastle’s projected arbitration figure is $7.8 million.
Second base
Adam Frazier filled in as the Pirates regular second baseman until Nick Gonzales returned from injury in June. The 2020 first rounder wasn’t productive overall, as he was a replacement level player (-0.7 bWAR).
As mentioned, Horwitz played some second base down the stretch, so perhaps the makings of a Horwitz/Gonzales platoon.
Shortstop
The Pirates primary shortstop for a large majority of the season was Isaiah Kiner-Falefa.
After Ke’Bryan Hayes was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline, IKF moved over to third base, while Jared Triolo became the shortstop regular.
There’s a good chance Konnor Griffin arrives to Pittsburgh at some point in 2026. Triolo could be the stopgap option at short, for the time being.
Third base
The Pirates were unable to find a replacement at third base - following the trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Transaction: Sign Yoan Moncada to a one-year deal.
While Moncada certainly isn’t the defensive wizard that Hayes is at third, the offense is substantially better, as he put up a .783 OPS this season with the Los Angeles Angels.
Left field
The left fielder in Pittsburgh for much of 2025 was Tommy Pham. The 37-year-old Pham ended the year with an OPS of .700. Defensively, he recorded +5 Defensive Runs Saved, and was named a Gold Glove finalist among National League left fielders.
Jack Suwinski and Alexander Canario also saw some time in left field. Suwinski is a clear non-tender candidate, while Canario should be designated for assignment.
Transaction: Sign Miguel Andujar to a two-year deal.
The Pirates haven’t signed a free agent to a multi-year year deal since Ivan Nova in December of 2016. The mold will be broken with Miguel Andujar.
Andujar is coming off a terrific season at the plate for both the Athletics and Reds; combining to slash .318/.352/.470.
Center field
For Oneil Cruz, 2025 was a tale of two halves. The first half consisted of Cruz performing at an All-Star level offensively, while the second half made him barely unplayable. Despite hitting 20 homers and stealing 38 bases, Cruz had an oWAR of 1.8.
This offseason will be Cruz’s first as an arbitration eligible player. His projection is set at $3.6 million. The hope is that Cruz can finally put it all together in 2026.
Right field
With Bryan Reynolds moving to the DH role, right field will need to be addressed.
Transaction: Acquire Owen Caissie from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Mitch Keller, 2B Termarr Johnson, and SS Yordany De Los Santos.
Caissie is currently the Cubs #1 prospect in their system. He received a brief stint in Chicago. Playing for AAA Iowa, Caissie posted a .286/.386/.551 slash line, along with 22 home runs.
Keller gives the Cubs a veteran arm that can provide innings. Johnson and De Los Santos are Pittsburgh’s #6 and #14 ranked prospects in the organization respectively.
Starting rotation
Even with a trade of Keller, the Pirates should go strictly with internal options in the rotation. The projected four starters would be Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Johan Oviedo, and Braxton Ashcraft. The fifth starter spot could either be Mike Burrows or Hunter Barco.
Bullpen
Dennis Santana will enter next season as the Pirates closer. Locks in the bullpen should be Isaac Mattson, Carmen Mlodzinski, Justin Lawrence, and Chase Shugart
Other options include Dauri Moreta, Kyle Nicolas, Evan Sisk, and Brandan Bidois - the Australian born righty that will need to be added to the 40-man roster, in order to avoid the Rule 5 Draft this offseason.
Transaction: Sign Justin Wilson to a one-year deal.
Wilson was a fixture in the Pirates’ bullpen during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
This season, the veteran southpaw made 61 appearances with the Red Sox, where he registered a 3.35 ERA and a FIP of 2.95.
The Pirates could use Wilson as a lefty option in high leverage spots; particularly in the seventh inning.