Pirates Q&A: Will They Show Commitment? Jack Suwinski’s Future, More
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
Why hasn’t Jack Suwinski been released. Secondly do you see any scenario the Pirates and Rangers doing a trade for Langford – Ca Ferrera
Though Suwinski wasn’t involved in the Pirates’ first round of roster cuts, I’m not expecting him to remain on the 40-man roster all offseason. Though he showed promise in 2023, he’s since done little to prove that season wasn’t a fluke.
Suwinski is arbitration-eligible for the first time this season and is projected to make $1.7 million. That seems high to me, but even so, I don’t see the Pirates paying him a relatively substantial raise. Though a team could take a chance on him in a trade, he could also simply be non-tendered.
As for Langford, I don’t envision a scenario where he’s available. He’s coming off a 5.5 bWAR season and isn’t even eligible for arbitration until after next season. But he would look darn good in the black and gold.
Are the Pirates committed to getting some offensive talent for 2026, to complement our talented pitching staff? It would be nice to have a fighting chance at a playoff spot. – Rustic Garda Murph
The Pirates say they are focused on winning in 2026, period, full stop. Talk is cheap, however. Until the Pirates actually show they are serious about winning, there’s little reason to believe anything they say.
With the being said, I’m expecting the Pirates to show more aggressiveness this offseason. I think a trade of Mitch Keller is a definite possibility, which could net a big-league bat and shed some payroll to use to further upgrade the offense.
But a true “commitment to winning” would be keeping Keller and increasing payroll, which they could do if they chose. But that doesn’t seem like it will happen.
On a scale of 1-10. How disappointed will we be at the beginning of the season with the “additions” this club makes. – Allan McMurray
I’m expecting a better offseason than last year. Ben Cherington and Travis Williams understand the reality of the situation that if the Pirates don’t at least push for the playoffs they will be looking for new jobs next year. But they — Cherington in particular — can only do so much within the constraints imposed from ownership.
Disappointment level is subjective. They won’t sign Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Kyle Schwarber, etc. But they could land something valuable for Keller and might actually sign a free agent to a multi-year deal. Wouldn’t that be something! *sarcasm*
But the Pirates need to do anything they can to make Paul Skenes and the rest of the locker room happy and show that they are at least trying. Not to mention a fanbase that deserves so much more than they’ve gotten the last decade.
Do you think that hitters concentrating on a solid, and maybe not so “upward” launch would help the overall batting averages and reduce strikeouts? This was very obviously so with the Blue Jays. – Robert Looker
I’m not sure exactly what the solution is other than that something needs to change. I wonder how much the Pirates aren’t emphasizing launch given the spacious left field at PNC Park, one that was pointed out by multiple players next season.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the Pirates are too passive in run-scoring chances. I get wanting to be patient and take your walks in lower-leverage situations, but when opportunities present themselves, it’s OK to get a little more aggressive and put the ball in play.
What will be the over/under on the date in which we sign our first free agent? My guess is March 13 when everyone else has fed from the trough. – Anthony Balbo
Ha, I’ll say before March 13, but I’m sure there will also be some deals trickle in once spring training gets underway.
Personally, I feel like the Pirates will be more aggressive in the trade market given their stinginess and starting pitching depth. But they’ll look at free agent options too, whether it be bats, relief pitchers or a veteran starter to help anchor the rotation.
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