In order for the Pirates to take the next step and contend for a playoff spot in 2026, it’s necessary for there to be an aggressive approach toward an offseason in which offensive additions are at the top of the priority list.
Travis Williams, as he did at the end of September following a 71-91 season, is reiterating that the Pirates have the resources to be able to add with that aforementioned aggressive approach.
“Our expectations are that we win and that we make the playoffs,” Williams told reporters at PNC Park this afternoon. “In order to do that, we knew we had to be aggressive in the offseason. We’re committed to that. So, that requires you to be really active in the free agent market and the trade market, and that activity is happening now.”
Williams didn’t comment on any specifics regarding the team’s offseason activity, but he did acknowledge the importance of adding to the offense in an effort to adequately complement the team’s pitching staff.
He said that Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft all add excitement and energy while playing roles within one of the best staffs in baseball. Not to mention guys like Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo are in the mix as well, providing the Pirates with stellar depth on the mound.
“You want to build around that, you want to support that,” Williams said. “Adding to what we have on offense organically already and being able to add to that is really the focus and goal of the offseason.”