Seattle Mariners’ Ty France, right, pours water over Eugenio Suarez in the dugout after Suarez hit a three-run walkoff home run to win a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the10th inning Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Santa Claus already delivered a few early Christmas presents for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Jhostynxon GarcÃa was the first present unwrapped this month after he was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a five-player swap. Manager Don Kelly has a new toy to play with in the bullpen after the Pirates signed Gregory Soto to a one-year deal.
The biggest present the Pirates got to open so far was a three-piece set headlined by second baseman Brandon Lowe. Outfielder Jake Mangum and lefty reliever Mason Montgomery were also included.
But while the Pirates got to open a few presents early this holiday season, they’re hoping to unwrap a few more before reporting to Bradenton for the start of spring training.
Another Impact Bat
Lowe provides the Pirates with a clear upgrade offensively. He was an All-Star with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and belted 31 home runs, just over 25% of the Pittsburgh’s team total.
But the Pirates need more and general manager Ben Cherington said the team would like to add another established position player before the winter is over.
The obvious solution is adding a third baseman. The Pirates have been linked to Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, whose deadline to sign comes shortly after the new year.
Another option who could be in play for the Pirates is veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez, who matched a career-high with 49 home runs and set a career-high with 118 RBI between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners last season.
There are other possibilities elsewhere who could come into play. Pittsburgh has been linked to designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and Ryan O’Hearn, who could DH, play some first base or even some corner outfield. There are several outfielders who are also still available. Looking at the potential starting lineup, a right-handed bat makes the most sense.
Leverage Reliever
Even after adding Soto and Montgomery, the Pirates would be wise to add a leverage relief option who could handle big spots with Dennis Santana. Soto figures to be the leverage option against stretches of lefty batters, for what it’s worth.
But outside of Santana and Soto, the Pirates’ bullpen is comprised of largely unproven and inexperienced arms. If the Pirates are serious about winning in 2026, adding another proven guy would serve them well.
Since the Pirates already landed a pair of southpaws, a right-handed pitcher is probably the preference. Pete Fairbanks and Seranthony DomÃnguez are among the options who have had ample opportunities in leverage situations and playoff experience.
Veteran Starter
The Pirates still have a solid group of young pitchers and their rotation is headlined by reigning National League Cy Yong winner Paul Skenes. But after trading Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows, adding another veteran presence along with Mitch Keller (who is increasingly likely to stay) seems important.
The Pirates have added at least one veteran starting pitcher each year under Cherington with most of them being left-handers. A couple of those former additions are currently on the free agent market and could make sense in Tyler Anderson and Jose Quintana.
But there are plenty of options still available as the starting pitching market has moves relatively slowly this offseason.
On behalf of Pittsburgh Baseball Now, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
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