At the end of the day, the Pirates need to prove to not just their fanbase, but their face of the franchise that they are willing to commit financially to the roster. Even if that starts with a smaller, multi-year deal with Miguel Andújar.
Seattle Mariners
What is fun and ideal about this fit is that the addition of Andújar should come, even after the recent news of the Mariners bringing back first baseman Josh Naylor. Considering this does not project to be an expensive deal, Andújar could wear a Mariners uniform in 2026. Even more so if they are unable to bring back their postseason hero, Jorge Polanco.
A signing of Andújar is not going to be as flashy as the trades the Mariners made at the deadline for Eugenio Suarez and Naylor, but it would fill a void for what they currently have projected to start at their corner infield positions entering the 2026 season.
Ben Williamson is currently projected to start at third base for the Mariners. While he serves as a capable option off the bench, he should not be the only starting option at third base, especially for one who made it all the way to the ALCS. Aside from third, Andújar would be a good backup for Naylor at first base when he needs a day off. Both could also alternate at the DH spot in the lineup.
They need to find a way to break through and reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
It is incredibly rare for a team to have a five-man rotation locked and loaded for a deep postseason run. While the offense made significant strides during the 2025 season, largely on the back of the MVP runner-up, Cal Raleigh, they should look to continue to build and supplement their offense with pieces to keep that level of consistency throughout the entirety of the season.