Trick or Treat: Which Free Agent First Basemen Fit Pirates? (+)
As the Pittsburgh Pirates seek an upgrade at first base this offseason, there is no shortage of options on the free agent market.
Of course, the Pirates are in a situation where they won’t have their choice of the crop. This is because of several factors, including Bob Nutting’s stinginess and a hard-to-argue reputation as an undesirable landing spot.
The Pirates have yet to sign a free agent to a multi-year deal under Ben Cherington. Again, those two reasons stated above tell you exactly why that’s the case.
There are several free agent options at first base who would make sense for the Pirates. Even more when you take out the financial element to the equation. Let’s evaluate some of the top options on the first day of the offseason — Halloween.
Pete Alonso
Alonso has been of the game’s top power hitters and run producers since entering the league in 2019. Since the start of that year, the 29-year-old leads all MLB players in RBIs (586) and is second to only Aaron Judge with 226 home runs.
He’s one of the top free agents this offseason, regardless of position. There will be a bidding war to land his services, which will price him well out of Pittsburgh.
Verdict: Obvious trick
Christian Walker
Walker has always been a reliable defender. He’s won a Gold Glove each of the past two seasons and is again a finalist this year. His bat also broke out after becoming a regular player for the Diamondbacks in 2019. Since then, he’s slashed .253/.333/.464 with 141 homers and 434 RBIs in 771 games.
It’s a nice thought and a good fit on paper. But given his desirability and advances age — he’ll turn 34 just after Opening Day — it’s not happening.
Verdict: Trick
Paul Goldschmidt
It’s been a steady decline for Goldschmidt since he was named MVP in 2022, but he’s still a reliable player. Though he was essentially a league-average offensively this year, he’s still durable and provides some thump.
But given where the 37-year-old is in his career, he’s probably looking to land with a clearer contender. His price tag might be out of the Pirates’ comfort zone regardless.
Verdict: Trick, unless his market never materializes
Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo battled inconsistency and missed two and a half months with a fractured forearm but started to pick up again over the last couple weeks of the season. It’s been back-to-back down seasons for Rizzo but he was a powerful presence in the Yankees’ lineup as recently as two years ago.
Given his subpar play of late, Rizzo might look for an opportunity that gives him the best shot of receiving regular playing time and the Pirates could offer him that if they so choose. His profile could play well at PNC Park, as his career numbers in Pittsburgh indicate.
Verdict: Treat, but a somewhat similar situation to Goldschmidt
Carlos Santana
Santana was solid with the Pirates in 2023 before he was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline in 2023. He was even better this past season with the Minnesota Twins with his best statistical season since 2019.
The veteran expressed a desire to return to the Pirates last year before Cherington landed on Rowdy Tellez, a decision he probably regrets. Santana was fond of Pittsburgh and served as a strong veteran presence in the clubhouse. A reunion makes sense.
Verdict: Treat
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