Pirates Q&A: What’s the Plan for ’26? When Would a Cruz Trade Be Considered
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
If the Pirates are supposedly to be competitive in 2026, and the trade deadline is done, shouldn’t we see signs of improvements now? – Mae
It’s a great question, Mae, and it’s why the deadline was such a confusing one for the Pirates. Of all the players they got back in the six deals made during July, only two could realisticially impact the 2026 Pirates. Catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores is in Triple-A and has upside. The other is left-handed reliever Evan Sisk, who is 28 years old and has 5.1 big-league innings under his belt.
As currently constructed, the Pirates will not be any better next year than they are this year. However, there are at least a couple reasons for optimism. Spencer Horwitz is playing like the Pirates expected he would when they acquired him in the offseason. That’s a big development for next season. Liover Peguero has been pretty good too. But there’s a lot of work to do between now and Opening Day 2026.
It looks like our owner is giving up on winning. What’s his plan for 26? Since he doesn’t want to spend money to get good offense, is he then going to give the prospects in AAA a chance? – Jim
They should be getting looks at as many young players as possible, Jim. The other day, I listed five position players who should get time with the Pirates between now and the end of the season.
I know Bubba Chandler has had some hiccups, but they should let him get his feet wet in the big leagues and get a jump on some of the growing pains. They will be relying on him next season.
But the young players will only contribute so much next season. If the Pirates want to truly be competitive, they will need to be active this offseason. They need at least two bats — a corner outfielder, third baseman, shortstop and perhaps catcher will all need to be addressed. They will need to build the starting pitching depth, add a left-handed reliever and consider brining in another high-leverage option.
The plan is to compete next season. The Pirates NEED to break from the norm this offseason for that to happen. Make a splash or two in free agency or via trade. Will they? I think we know the answer to that question.
What specific stats or behaviors do you think Oneil Cruz has to deliver for the Pirates to decide he’s not worth it and trade him in the offseason? – Sean
I’m not sure any specific stat will make the Pirates consider trading Cruz, and unless he does something drastic such as request a trade, I don’t see it happening.
Cruz’s season has overall been a disappointment, but he’s as talented a player as there is in MLB. He leads the National League in stolen bases. His 18 home runs are by far the most on the Pirates. Although he’s batting a lowly .207 with a .702 OPS, he’s the only position player who has the potential to be a true game-changer.
The Pirates need Cruz to put it all together. If that happens, they have a superstar, and those don’t often come through or stay in Pittsburgh for long. They just can’t afford trading him only to watch him emerge elsewhere. They need his presence in the lineup.
Why does IKF always bat 9th? – Gary Roberts
There are a couple reasons. First, the Pirates like him as a table-setter for the top of the lineup. Second, Kiner-Falefa told me that he enjoys batting ninth because it plays to his strengths and allows him to embrace the small-ball element of the game.
But given how poor the offense has been this season, I wouldn’t mind seeing him moved up in the lineup to try and provide somewhat of a spark. No, he doesn’t slug, but he puts the ball in play and has a solid .273 batting average.
I know that’s old-school thinking, but the Pirates have been in need of a change offensively all season. Maybe he could provide that. Too late now I guess.
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