Pirates
Ben Cherington Says Pirates Not Done Adding to Roster

PITTSBURGH — It’s been a pretty quite offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates so far, but that looks like it could change at some point between now and spring training.
The organization hosted their annual PiratesFest at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, a two-day event that began on Saturday morning. During the ‘Ask Pirates’ Management’ portion of the day, a fan asked general manager Ben Cherington if the Pirates will continue to add to the roster.
“Yes,” Cherington simply stated. “You’ll see changes to the roster between now and spring training,” he later added.
So far this winter, the Pirates brought back franchise icon Andrew McCutchen on a one-year contract. They added to the lineup by acquiring first baseman Spencer Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians. The Pirates also added several relievers into the equation, including their second of two MLB free agent signings in left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson.
Regarding the overall lack of activity from the offices on Federal St. adjacent to PNC Park, Cherington cites a change in the offseason timeline as a reason.
“I remember very distinctly 20 years ago feeling like, alright, you get to the arbitration-exchange deadline, second week in January and your work is done. Your offseason is done,” he explained. “You have a month to clean up and rest for spring training. That’s just fundamentally changed.
“Free agency has become a January-February thing, especially for the Pirates. Trades happen at any time. They could happen at any time between today and the end of July. That’s a good thing for the Pirates. It means there are opportunities out there still, in the market, whether it’s between now and spring training, whether it’s between now and Opening Day, whether it’s after Opening Day.”
Though a couple of moves have already been made, the Pirates still have work to do. They still need a right fielder. They could look to add an everyday shortstop. On the pitching side, another veteran bullpen arm wouldn’t hurt and the Pirates, like the other 29 teams in the league, will look to build starting pitching depth.
There are still a handful of free agents who could make sense for the Pirates, both in terms of price tag and the ability to improve the club.
While the Pirates will surely still make additions to the roster as Cherington said, he noted internal improvement will also be important heading into the season.
“There will be roster adjustments as part of that,” Cherington said on how they’re looking to get better. “And then just as important or maybe more important, is to continue that work that goes on by our players and their one improvement and development through our performance team to help our guys get ready for the season and spring training.”
But Cherington, along with team president Travis Williams and manager Derek Shelton, reiterated what the Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping to accomplish this year.
“Our goal is to win in 2025,” he said. “Period.”
Further roster additions will absolutely be needed for that to happen.