Pitchers and catchers have reported to Bradenton for the beginning of spring training. The Pirates have had an unusually busy offseason, bringing in names like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna. They have also eclipsed a 100-million dollar payroll for the first time since the infamous 2016 season. In terms of budget left over, the money is probably really tight, and when spring training rolls around, signings and trades grind to a halt as teams are settling in with the pieces they have. The Pirates still have holes, however, so if they were to make a move, what would be the correct course of action?
The Pitching Staff
The pitching staff is the clear strength of the team at the moment, boasting the former Cy Young-winner Paul Skenes along with a plethora of young and talented pitchers like Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler. However, outside of Skenes and Mitch Keller, no one projected to make the current rotation has ever pitched a full season of innings at the MLB level. The exception is new signee Jose Urquidy, but he’s barely pitched since 2023 due to injuries. Because of this, the Pirates could use another arm to solidify the rotation and eat some innings for the young pitchers. Here are some of the free-agent options:
Available Pitchers:
Tyler Anderson (LHP, 36): 136.1 IP, 0.1 fWAR, 4.56 ERA, 5.60 FIP
Patrick Corbin (LHP, 35): 155.1 IP, 1.9 fWAR, 4.40 ERA, 4.25 FIP
Zack Littell (RHP, 30) 186 IP, 1.5 fWAR, 3.81 ERA, 4.88 FIP
The pickings are extremely slim, and based on cost, it makes sense why there are rumblings that the Pirates would rather have Barco, Urquidy, and Mlodzinski battle it out for the 5th starter in the rotation. Tyler Anderson seems intriguing after he had a decent stint in Pittsburgh for a half season in 2021, but the journeyman posted horrific underlying metrics in 2025 and would be a massive gamble. Corbin recovered from a couple of downright terrible seasons in Washington to be a 2 WAR pitcher in Texas. A 4.40 ERA repeat performance would be insane value for the Pirates if they were able to squeeze another 150 innings like that out of him. However, with him being a pitch-to-contact guy and playing in one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in baseball, it’s hard to assume he puts up a similar performance.
My pick would be Zack Littell, who I am shocked hasn’t signed a major league deal yet. His 2025 with the Reds and Rays was quite good, posting a sub-4 ERA in over 180 innings. His underlying metrics are a tad worrying, but he is a pitcher that you are absolutely thrilled with if he is your fifth-best starter.
Upgrading at Third Base
The Pirates whiffed at filling third base this offseason, as their desired choice Eugenio Suarez signed a one-year deal with the Reds instead. Jared Triolo is a fine utility player, but ultimately his best role is one where he moves around the diamond and not manning the hot corner on a daily basis. The free agent 3B market is basically nonexistent, as shortstop Jose Iglesias leads the pack, so the Pirates probably need to look for a trade if they’re going to upgrade on the position.
Potential 3B Trade Options
Mark Vientos (26): .233/.289/.413 97 wRC+
Matt Shaw (24): .226/.295/.394 93 wRC+
Coby Mayo (24): .217/.299/.388 95 wRC+
The biggest problem with acquiring any of these three players is that despite their struggles to establish themselves as full-time MLB players, they are all making no money and will require a haul to get. This makes trading for any a substantial risk where you might lose a Hunter Barco where you really don’t want to. You could trade for Vientos if you fully believe that 2024 is who he actually is. In ’24 he was a 3 WAR player who bashed 27 home runs. He is even blocked at the moment by both Brett Baty and new free-agent signing Bo Bichette down in Queens. However, reports are saying Mets GM David Sterns is asking the moon and the stars for him. He is far too risky to want to pay up for the 2024 price after a negative WAR campaign last season.
The Cubs have been whispering about shopping Matt Shaw, who posted a 1.5 fWAR season in 2025. Alex Bregman will be assuming 3B duty for the Cubs and Shaw doesn’t have a spot on the infield. The biggest risks with Shaw are his shockingly low exit velocities, being in the third percentile of all MLB players last season. There is a distinct possibility you are trading for another Jared Triolo without the positional flexibility. This is why I would choose Coby Mayo, who at first has horrific numbers. However, he slashed .301/.393/.941 in September, a promising outlook for a former top 20 prospect. The ability to get consistent playing time, which is something he never had in Baltimore, might be able to unlock this player.
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