The Pirates have reportedly told agents they'd like to be "aggressive" and "spend a little bit" this offseason, per Ken Rosenthal.
Whether that involves spending money in free agency or showing a willingness to trade from their pitching surplus, the Pirates absolutely need to be active. They need to fill voids at third base and in the outfield, and have to make improvements to an offense that had a dreadful collective showing at the plate in 2025.
Ben Cherington said himself in late September that they need to be ready to be aggressive in acquisition this offseason. He added that, in their situation, they've got to be willing to assume the "risks of trades" because "free agency is not an open ocean for us."
At the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, Cherington also said, according to Robert Murray, that the Pirates have “more flexibility than we’ve had” in previous offseasons. Additionally, Cherington confirmed that PaulSkenes, despite the ongoing questions surrounding his long-term future with the franchise, isn't going to be involved in any offseason moves.
"Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026," Cherington told reporters.
Regardless, it's one thing to say that there needs to be an aggressive approach to the offseason. That's certainly the first step, realizing what needs to be done. But actual action is necessary, too. Wise decisions have to be made, both in free agency and on the trade market, in order for the Pirates to go into 2026 in a position to properly complement their talented pitching staff.
THE ASYLUM
'Aggressive' offseason approach?
The Pirates have reportedly told agents they'd like to be "aggressive" and "spend a little bit" this offseason, per Ken Rosenthal.
Whether that involves spending money in free agency or showing a willingness to trade from their pitching surplus, the Pirates absolutely need to be active. They need to fill voids at third base and in the outfield, and have to make improvements to an offense that had a dreadful collective showing at the plate in 2025.
Ben Cherington said himself in late September that they need to be ready to be aggressive in acquisition this offseason. He added that, in their situation, they've got to be willing to assume the "risks of trades" because "free agency is not an open ocean for us."
At the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, Cherington also said, according to Robert Murray, that the Pirates have “more flexibility than we’ve had” in previous offseasons. Additionally, Cherington confirmed that Paul Skenes, despite the ongoing questions surrounding his long-term future with the franchise, isn't going to be involved in any offseason moves.
"Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026," Cherington told reporters.
Regardless, it's one thing to say that there needs to be an aggressive approach to the offseason. That's certainly the first step, realizing what needs to be done. But actual action is necessary, too. Wise decisions have to be made, both in free agency and on the trade market, in order for the Pirates to go into 2026 in a position to properly complement their talented pitching staff.
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