September 29 Pirates Talk

I’m not sold of Murf just yet. It seemed a little over matched at Altoona when I saw him. So maybe start there again and finish in Indy and get ready for 2028?

That's it. I think Grok got most of it correct. I might argue that the catcher spot is better and I'm hopeful that Murf Gray can plug in at third base by midseason.

#6 **Overall defense and outfield depth** also warrant attention. Cruz’s knee is a question mark after he sat late in the season. Jake Mangum provides contact and speed but limited power. Esmerlyn Valdez has pop but is injury-prone and a defensive liability. A plus defender who can play multiple outfield spots or a right-handed bat who handles lefties better would address two issues at once. ### Realistic 2027 approach under $120 million Prioritize keeping Lowe if the price is reasonable, then address third base and starting-pitching depth through a combination of a modest free-agent signing, a trade, and internal options. Use the farm system (Griffin is already here; Hernandez, Edward Florentino, and others are coming) rather than overpaying for aging veterans. The young pitching and Griffin/Cruz core give the Pirates a realistic shot at another step forward in 2027 if they fill the two or three biggest holes without inflating payroll past the stated limit.

#5 **Starting pitching depth** is a concern. The Pirates finished the year with only three healthy starters (Skenes, Chandler, Jones). Keller and Braxton Ashcraft both dealt with arm/shoulder issues. Seth Hernandez is the top pitching prospect but was in High-A in 2026 and is more of a 2028 piece. Hunter Barco and Thomas Harrington can compete for back-end innings. A mid-rotation free agent (Casey Mize type) or a trade for a controllable starter would stabilize the group without breaking the bank. **Bullpen** needs a lefty replacement for Soto and another high-leverage arm after Yates. Mason Montgomery looks like the closer. Luke Weaver is owed only $5 million (Mets covering the rest). Yohan Ramírez, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Brandon Eisert return. Adding one or two inexpensive or mid-tier relievers via free agency or trade should suffice.

#4 **Third base** is widely viewed as the biggest positional need regardless of Lowe. Gonzales and Triolo are utility types, not everyday solutions. The free-agent class is thin at the top (Alec Bohm, Eugenio Suárez if his option is declined). A mid-tier veteran or a trade for a younger bat with some power and acceptable defense would help more than another internal platoon. Prospect Murf Gray is not ready for 2027. **Catcher** remains a weak spot. Henry Davis hit .172 and provided value mostly with the glove. Rafael Flores Jr. showed power in a limited look but is not a full-time answer yet. Endy Rodríguez is coming off hip surgery. Ryan Jeffers would be the best available free-agent upgrade but is likely too expensive. Tyler Stephenson, Jonah Heim, or a cheaper veteran plus internal development (or a trade) is more realistic.

#3 ### Positions that most need improvement **Second base** is the clearest hole if Lowe walks. Nick Gonzales (who played a lot of third) and Jared Triolo can fill in, and Termarr Johnson is a prospect option, but none match Lowe’s production. Re-signing Lowe on a 3-4 year deal in the $20-25 million AAV range would be the simplest path to keeping the lineup intact, though it would eat a large chunk of available budget. A qualifying offer is likely if they cannot agree quickly. Cheaper free-agent alternatives include Gavin Lux or Jonathan India; a trade for a controllable 2B is also realistic.

There's a lot more, but I'm thinking you guys will not like me posting this much stuff. Let me know if I should finish. There's probably another 4 posts to finish it.

#2 The three impending free agents are second baseman Brandon Lowe (team-best ~5 WAR, 35 homers, improved defense and clubhouse presence), lefty reliever Gregory Soto, and veteran righty Kirby Yates (who may retire).[](<post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2026/09/…>) Existing 2027 commitments sit in the $58-85 million range before arbitration raises (Skenes could land in the $7-10 million range for his first arb year; Cruz, Jones, Gonzales, Horwitz, Davis, Triolo, Mlodzinski, and Ramírez also get bumps) and pre-arb salaries. That leaves room under a $120 million cap for targeted additions rather than a spending spree.[](<post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2026/09/…>)

I asked Grok what the Pirates needed to improve for next year and gave it a $120M salary cap. The answer is pretty accurate in my opinion. I'll split it into a couple posts, as it doesn't fit in one. Let me know if I broke the rules. The 2026 Pirates finished 82-80, their first winning record since 2018, with a markedly improved offense (5th in batting average, 3rd-4th in OBP, 767 runs, franchise-record 186 homers) but middling pitching and poor defense (near the bottom of MLB in Def, DRS, and OAA).[](<fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-char…>) They return a young, controllable core headed by Paul Skenes, 20-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin (already a contributor with speed, pop, and high-end prospect pedigree), Oneil Cruz, Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, Bryan Reynolds, and Spencer Horwitz. Ryan O’Hearn remains under contract for 2027 at $15 million. Mitch Keller is owed $18 million but is coming off a shoulder injury.[](<fangraphs.com/teams/pirates>)

Here we go. 2027 Pirates.

Use Osuna/ Soto Money

Go bring Bednar back. Double Barreled sharks with Montgomery

And let’s get a deal with Lowe done. How about period full stop on this one.

And Bob. Sell the team!!!

Good morning. It would be a great day to can a few asses. Period. Full stop!!!