Pirates Q&A: Will They Sign a Free Agent Outfielder? Vets as Trade Candidates, More
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
Why do the Pirates insist players play multiple positions? In my opinion, this just delays player development. Will they EVER get away from this philosophy and let guys get comfortable at one position?- sonic
It’s a good question and one that I think is more a case-by-case basis. If the Pirates view a guy as someone who looks like the answer of the future at a certain spot then they will play them at one position for the most part. Look at Konnor Griffin this year. He was viewed as someone who could be an elite defender at shortstop and in center field, but he spent the overwhelming majority at the former and will be the shortstop in Pittsburgh at some point in 2026.
But with other guys who could be considered more fringe prospects, it makes some level of sense to expose them to other positions to better their chances of one day making an impact. Now, it needs to make sense. Playing Henry Davis in right field never made sense. Deciding out of the blue to have Endy RodrÃguez play first base despite not using him there at last year’s spring training didn’t either.
So in some cases it makes sense. But in others it’s quite head-scratching.
If Griffin is looking likely to break into the majors this season, is there someone who is a shoe-in to earn rookie of the year over him? And if not, wouldn’t it be worth it to start the year with him in the big leagues considering the perks for teams who do that? I know it’s unusual for someone of his age, but what does this team have to lose other than a year of service time?- Matt
As the top prospect in baseball who will make his debut at some point next season, Griffin should be the favorite to win National League Rookie of the Year in 2026, but it’s hardly a guarantee. Even looking in-house, Bubba Chandler will be eligible for the award and a case could be made for him considering he will likely start the season in Pittsburgh.
It will be an interesting debate whether or not Griffin should start the season in Pittsburgh and I think there will be many factors that play into it. For the reason you mentioned, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, it’s rare to see a player go straight from Double-A to the big leagues. That’s quite a jump, especially for a 19-year-old who has only played 122 professional games.
The other factors that will be at play are what will the Pirates do this offseason and what will the performance of Griffin — and others — look like at spring training. Both could tip the scales one way or another.
Is it worth hearing trades for Cruz, Reynolds and Keller and if so, what is the package in return if they get traded together or separate. – Jeroboam
Good question. I don’t envision a scenario where all three are packaged together due to contracts and other team’s needs, but let’s look at each player individually.
Oneil Cruz’s trade value is more curious than just about anyone I can think of in baseball. Based off his talent, he’s worthy of landing at least one top 100 prospect. But based off his production, he’s not worth close to that. I think the Pirates will listen on Cruz this offseason but a trade will be tricky. They should rightfully hold out for a return that’s a reflection of his tools and upside while other teams will try and negotiate down based off his shortcomings.
Of the three you mentioned, Keller is the likeliest trade candidate due to his contract and the starting pitching depth the Pirates have. In their search for offense, trading Keller for an established big-league bat makes sense. I look at the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles as two possible matches.
Given what he did this past season, the Pirates wouldn’t get much more for Reynolds than salary relief. I don’t see a team taking on his contract given he’s now on the wrong side of 30 and I don’t see the Pirates selling at an all-time low.
Do you see the Pirates trying to sign any OF free agents? – Derf Esurk
They should. And I don’t mean an aging veteran on a pillow contract. They should make a splash for a guy that will help in 2026 and beyond. Will they? That’s a different story.
I think it’s more likely the Pirates trade for an upgrade in the outfield than sign a free agent who is capable of having a real impact. Outfield is probably their most pressing need this offseason. Whether it comes via free agency or trade, a move needs to be made.
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I think Keller to the Orioles only happens if the Bucs eat some of the contract or give up a good prospect to go along with Mitch. O’s wouldn’t pay Burnes so why would they want to give Mitch $18MM per season?