The Pittsburgh Pirates have quickly emerged as the biggest surprise of this MLB offseason. As free agency began, many expected the Pirates to do as little as possible, as they have been accustomed to.

*PREDICTION*

However, it seems the Pirates have recognized what they have in Paul Skenes and the rest of the pitching staff and are going “all in” for the first time in a long time.

The Pirates traded for Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade. Lowe hit 31 home runs in 2025. The Pirates also added Jake Mangym, a center fielder, and Mason Montgomery, a pitcher, in a trade.

They signed Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. O’Hearn is known for his above-average bat and potential to hit for extra bases. The Pirates also added a two-time All-Star reliever in Gregory Soto to bolster the bullpen.

All signs are showing the Pirates are taking it very seriously in 2026 and want to win while they have Skenes under team control. The Pirates should not stop making moves now; they should make a big splash. That is why the Pittsburgh Pirates will sign Cody Bellinger.

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Cody Bellinger Signing with Pittsburgh Pirates

Cody Bellinger, the former Rookie of the Year and National League MVP, has entered free agency after a one-year stint with the New York Yankees.

Having the second-best season of his career in 2025, Bellinger opted out of his contract in search of a long-term deal. Bellinger arrived in the big leagues in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly became a star, winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in just his third season.

Bellinger then struggled for a few seasons before a resurgence in Chicago and then New York. Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, has made it known that Bellinger is looking for a deal north of five years, possibly locking him down for his final team.

Bellinger will turn 31 after the All-Star Game in 2026 and will undoubtedly be tied to this team for the remainder of his career.

Former general manager Jim Bowden wrote in his winter meeting wishlist that the Pirates should go get Cody Bellinger.

The Pirates need a left fielder and another power bat for the lineup. What once seemed like a joke of a wish could come true.

The Pirates have already shocked the world with the moves they have made. Why not make another surprising move and go all in? This would solidify the Pirates as favorites in the National League Central.

What Would Cody Bellinger Cost?

The Pirates have been one of the stingiest ball clubs in history in creating their major league rosters, and Paul Skenes has individually made them rethink that strategy.

The amount of spending the Pirates have done this offseason and trading is so uncharacteristic that anything could happen.

The Pirates’ projected payroll for 2026 is at $109.9 million, putting them 26th in the league. They clearly have room and availability to sign Bellinger.

Spotrac.com has Cody Bellinger’s market value set at six years for $182.6 million. Putting him at an annual average salary of $30.4 million. That alone would move the Pirates ahead of the Reds and Brewers in spending and put them ranked 19th in the league.

A $30 million contract on the books and still in the bottom half of spending. The Pirates don’t need to do much to build this roster into a winning team. They just need to spend better than 10 other teams, and they will win their division. That is why the Pittsburgh Pirates will sign Cody Bellinger.