Everybody continues to suggest that the Pittsburgh Pirates might land an above-average player this winter, whether through free agency or via trade.
If they’re unable to sign any notable free agents, there’s reason to believe a solid trade could still happen to ensure they have a competent team capable of competing in what looks like a below-average NL Central next season.
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According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Pirates could be in the mix for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. if they’re unable to strike a deal for another upgrade.
“As detailed last week by MLB.com’s Mike Petriello, right-handed-hitting outfielders are scarce. And while Robert has drawn interest from the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, he might be more likely to end up with a low-payroll team that ends up striking out on free agents – the Pittsburgh Pirates, for example.
“To make such a deal happen, the White Sox almost certainly would need to include cash to make Robert more affordable. They are open to doing that as a way of enhancing the return, according to a club official,” he wrote.
It’s tough to say Robert would be a perfect fit for the Pirates, but he’d likely be an upgrade over much of their current roster.
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That said, he hasn’t exactly been healthy throughout much of his career, appearing in 100 or fewer games in four of his six seasons.
Even when he’s been on the field recently, he hasn’t been good, posting an 85 OPS+ last year and an 86 OPS+ the season before.
On the flip side, there have been stretches over the past few years where Robert has looked like a very good player, even if only in spurts.
In the 2023 season, he was one of the brighter young stars in baseball, hitting 38 home runs and posting a 130 OPS+. If that’s the version of Robert the Pirates eventually get, it would be a good situation for both sides.
It’s clear the Pirates need offensive help, but I’m unsure whether Robert would be that guy.
I’m not saying he can’t be, but history isn’t on his side.