San Francisco Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski (5) in the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Major League Baseball free agency officially begins today.
Free agents are permitted so speak with other teams and can sign with any of the 30 teams once the clock strikes 5 p.m. ET.
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter free agency with key needs, notably in the lineup and in the bullpen. History suggests the Pirates won’t make any splashes. Since Ben Cherington took over as general manager in 2019, the team has yet to sign a free agent to a multi-year contract.
The largest free agent contract ever given out by the Pirates was a three-year, $39 million deal to re-sign left-handed starter Francisco Liriano over a decade ago.
For these reasons, I think the Pirates could very well be more active in the trade market than in free agency, but it doesn’t mean they won’t sign anyone. The Pirates can’t address all their needs through trades. Here are three free agents I think Cherington and co. should target this winter.
LHP Sean Newcomb
Before we get into fixing the offense, let’s address the bullpen, where the Pirates have multiple needs. With only two left-handers currently on the 40-man roster in Hunter Barco and Evan Sisk, Pittsburgh should be targeting at least one southpaw.
Enter Newcomb.
Newcomb is coming off a strong 2025 season that was split between the Athletics and Boston Red Sox. In 48 appearances between the two clubs, the 31-year-old posted a 2.73 ERA with a 3.04 FIP and struck out 91 batters in 92.1 innings.
In addition to addressing a need in the bullpen, Newcomb would give the Pirates some flexibility as a bonus. He made five starts last season and worked at least four innings eight times. The Pirates have solid starting pitching depth, but Newcomb’s ability to make spot starts when needed should be attractive.
OF Mike Yastrzemski
The long-time San Francisco Giant (who was traded to the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline) is about as consistent as they come. In each of his seven big-league seasons, Yastrzemski has posted a bWAR between 2.0-2.8. In six of his seven seasons, he’s been an above-average player offensively.
Yastrzemski slashed .233/.333/.403 with 28 doubles, 17 home runs and 46 RBI in 146 games between the Giants and Royals in 2025. For his career, he owns a .238/.324/.447 batting line (113 OPS+) with 162 doubles, 23 triples, 132 home runs and 364 RBI in 840 games. He also bats left-handed, which the Pirates should be looking for.
Though Yastrzemski is 35 years old, he hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down. He still provides solid enough defense as a corner outfielder and can slider over to center field in a pinch.
INF Jorge Polanco
Of the three players on my list, Polanco would be the biggest splash. He’s likely looking at a multi-year deal, so Cherington would have to break from precedent and owner Bob Nutting would have to open up the wallet a bit. But it would be worth it.
Polanco bounced back from a disappointing 2024 season — his first with the Seattle Mariners — by helping lead his team to the ALCS this year. Polanco played in 138 games and hit .265 with an .821 OPS, 30 doubles, 26 home runs and 78 RBI.
Polanco has played most of his career up the middle in the infield though primarily as a second baseman since 2022. The Pirates have flexibility in the infield and could play Polanco at second base, shortstop or third base depending on what they want to do with Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo until top prospect Konnor Griffin takes over at short at some point in 2026.
But while Polanco gives the Pirates options to ponder in the infield, he provides a much bigger solution in the lineup thanks to what he’s capable of offensively.
Mentioned in this article: Pittsburgh Pirates
More about: Pirates