Pittsburgh Pirates' Offseason Strategy

As the countdown to the start of spring training ticks down to just one week, the Pittsburgh Pirates are making headlines by aggressively seeking to bolster their roster in a way that might change the narrative surrounding the team. With the pitchers and catchers from all 30 MLB teams set to report soon, the Pirates are on the hunt for significant upgrades, particularly in their pitching staff and lineup.

Targeting Left-Handed Pitchers

According to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, the Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive teams pursuing left-handed pitching talent. Among the most notable free agent prospects is pitchers like Framber Valdez, who had a solid 3.66 ERA over 31 starts in the previous season. The 29-year-old spent the last eight seasons with the Houston Astros and is considered the top remaining free agent available.

Bringing Valdez into the fold would significantly enhance a rotation that already features talented arms such as 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller. The Pirates are aware of the potential that pitching stalwarts like Skenes represent and understand the urgency to surround him with a formidable supporting cast as they aim to escape a lengthy playoff drought.

Offensive Upgrade Efforts

In addition to pitching, the Pirates are actively scouring the market for offensive assistance. Outfielder Marcell Ozuna is reportedly on their radar. Having served primarily as a designated hitter over the last two seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Ozuna posted a .232 batting average with a .355 on-base percentage and 21 home runs during the 2025 campaign. If signed, Ozuna's numbers would have either led or tied for the Pirates’ team lead in both homers and on-base percentage last season, making him a highly desirable target.

The Pirates' designated hitters collectively registered a dismal .313 weighted on-base average (wOBA) last season, placing them eighth-worst in MLB at that position. Ozuna's wOBA of .334 would have put him among the top performers, demonstrating just how much help a player like him could provide to Pittsburgh's struggling lineup.

Recent Acquisitions and Efforts

This offseason, the Pirates have already made some notable moves that differ from their usual pace of activity. So far, they have brought in Brandon Lowe and Jhostynxon Garcia through trades, along with Ryan O'Hearn, who joined as a free agent. While O'Hearn adds depth to the squad, both Lowe and Garcia were strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing the team's overall competitiveness.

In an ambitious attempt to further strengthen their roster, the Pirates even made a substantial four-year, $125 million offer to outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Despite their efforts, Schwarber chose to return to the Philadelphia Phillies on a five-year, $150 million deal, demonstrating the challenges the Pirates face in attracting high-caliber talent.

The State of the Pirates' Roster

The current composition of the Pirates' roster has raised some eyebrows, particularly as they prepare to head into the 2026 season. The rotation is headlined by Skenes, an emerging star, and Keller, alongside Braxton Ashcroft, who showcases promising potential. However, the team is still awaiting the return of Jared Jones, who missed the entirety of the last season due to an elbow injury that required surgical intervention. Jones is expected back early in the 2026 campaign, adding further depth to the pitching staff.

The urgency is palpable as the Pirates remain determined to capitalize on Skenes' talent and transform their struggling franchise. Despite finishing the previous season with a disappointing 71-91 record, there is a tangible hunger within the organization to make a playoff appearance, a feat they have not accomplished since 2016—the second longest current playoff drought in MLB, trailing only the Los Angeles Angels.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

The Pirates find themselves at a crucial juncture as they prepare for spring training. Their willingness to aggressively pursue free agents, particularly in both pitching and offensive positions, displays a newfound ambition that could redefine their trajectory in the MLB landscape. Whether they manage to secure targets like Valdez or Ozuna remains to be seen, but the intent is clear: the Pittsburgh Pirates are ready to take significant steps toward transforming their fortunes.