Dear Pirates: If Not Now, When?

The Pittsburgh Pirates created some buzz on Tuesday when they agreed to a deal to bring back Adam Frazier in free agency.

It’s not because Frazier is the same player he was when he started for the National League in the 2021 All-Star game at second base. On the contrary, he’s coming off the worst offensive season of his career, but the Pirates are hoping he can turn things around after a sluggish three-year stretch.

Part of the buzz that was created on social media was because Frazier is a familiar face. He played six seasons in Pittsburgh prior to getting dealt to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline in 2021.

Another reason the Frazier news gained so much traction was because many wondered how he fit into the Pirates’ plans in 2025, and it’s a fair question. The Pirates have a need in right field, but he won’t start there. He likely won’t start at second base either, barring any big surprises in spring training.

But the biggest reason of all? It’s another inexpensive contract given out by the Pirates. Frazier’s one-year deal to return to the Pirates is for $1.525 million, a source told Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

With the addition of Frazier, the Pirates have spent roughly $10.7 million in free agency. Andrew McCutchen returned on a one-year deal for $5 million, the largest guarantee for the Pirates so far this winter. Pittsburgh also added a pair of left-handed relievers on one-year pacts in Caleb Ferguson ($3 million) and Tim Mayza ($1.15 million).

In essence, it’s more of the same from the Pirates. In fact, it’s even worse.

I put out a tweet on Tuesday comparing what the Pirates have spent so far this winter compared to Ben Cherington’s first full offseason in 2020-21. Between COVID and wanting to get a feel for the roster, I skipped his first actual offseason in 2019-20.

Money spent in free agency in 2020-21? About $16.2 million. The largest free agent contract? Roberto Pérez for one year and $5 million.

The kicker? The Pirates were just starting a massive rebuild that offseason, yet they still spent more money than they have up to this point this offseason. And yes, there’s still time before spring training, but will the Pirates actually splurge on a big deal in free agency? Doubtful.

Even last winter, the Pirates spent well over $30 million in free agency. The team had some momentum coming off of a 76-win season, a 14-game improvement from their 100-loss season in 2022.

So why has spending this offseason been cut?

The most obvious answer is ownership. The Pirates have never made a big splash in free agency. Unless you count Francisco Liriano’s three-year, $39 million deal from a decade ago. A decade ago.

The last time the Pirates signed a free agent to a multi-year deal? Daniel Hudson… in 2016. For context, I had just completed my first semester of college at Duquesne University. I turn 27 in two months.

Free agents also have to want to come to the Pirates. It’s not necessarily an ideal landing spot, given the franchise’s track record over the last 30-plus years. But it’s also not an excuse either.

Look at what the A’s have done this offseason. Despite playing in a minor-league stadium in Sacramento for the next few years, they’ve been active in free agency.

Why haven’t the Pirates?

This is their chance. This is the time to make a legitimate splash in free agency. They have a generational pitcher atop their rotation making peanuts. Soon, that price will soar and the Pirates will be further handcuffed in what they’re able — and more importantly, willing — to do in free agency.

I really thought that this offseason would be when the Pirates finally said enough is enough and go for it, at least by their standards.

No, I knew they weren’t going to sign Juan Soto or anyone at the very top of the free agent rankings. But I also expected more than a quartet of signings who combined for -0.7 bWAR last season.

With two weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton, time will tell if the Pirates get serious about winning before Opening Day. It’s time they do — overdue, in fact.