The Pittsburgh Pirates have quietly been one of the more aggressive teams in baseball this offseason, and some believes that trend could continue with a move to continue improving the lineup after already making a few good moves.
The latest move would be a reunion with a veteran who was once viewed as a young star.
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Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted that the Pirates would sign Miguel Andujar to a two-year, $29 million deal, giving Pittsburgh a much-needed right-handed bat, and a potential answer at third base after trading Ke’Bryan Hayes at the deadline a campaign ago.
“The Pittsburgh Pirates have been aggressive buyers so far this offseason. They have been linked to many top free agent bats this offseason, and were able to reel one in when they signed Ryan O’Hearn on a two-year deal, $29 million deal.
“O’Hearn was the follow-up move to trading for Brandon Lowe, as the Pirates have added two big left-handed bats into the middle of their lineup. What they could now use is a right-handed bat. Particularly one who can plug in at third base,” he wrote.
Pittsburgh’s additions of Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe have helped reshape the offense, but both swing it from the left side. While that veteran lineup presence is valuable, it also creates creates some questions, and Andujar is more than servicable from the right-side against left-handers.
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Andujar brings a right-handed bat with a history of offensive production and the possibility to handle third base, a position that might be the final question for the Pirates.
The contract projection also fits Pittsburgh, as a two-year, $29 million deal shouldn’t be too big of an ask. It also fits with the Pirates’ recent willingness to spend, even if they haven’t been able to spend big and wouldn’t be doing so in a move like this.
We need to see it happen, but as long as they’re truly trying, it’s a step in the right direction.
This wouldn’t be a flashy move, but there are far worse options. For a team that’s looking to compete as early as 2026, as long as the offense shows up, I don’t see why they can’t.