Pirates
The Athletic Lists Pirates as Potential Landing Spot for Several Big Free Agents

On the eve of the start of the World Series, 28 teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for the offseason in hopes of being one of the final two teams standing this time next year.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers will meet at Dodger Stadium on Friday night for game one in a series that will crown a champion later this month or in the beginning of November. Once settled, the league will shift its attention to the offseason.
Though there are at least four more games to be played in 2024, speculation surrounding offseason moves has already begun.
On Thursday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic published his contract predictions for the top 45 free agent this winter. Along with his predictions, he listed possible landing spots for each player.
The Pirates were among the possibilities for several players. Some make more sense than the others.
14. OF/1B Cody Bellinger
- 2024 stats: .266/.325/.426, 23 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, nine steals, 130 games
- Contract prediction:Â 4 years, $112 million
Yes, Bellinger is an ideal fit for the Pirates on paper. He can play the outfield and first base — two big needs for Pittsburgh entering the offseason. But at $28 million per season? That would be an unprecedented level of spending from owner Bob Nutting, making this the longest of long shots.
In a perfect world, Bellinger makes all the sense in the world for the Pirates. In real life, it’s a pipedream.
27. INF Ha-Seong Kim
- 2024 stats:Â .233/.330/.370, 16 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, 22 steals, 121 games
- Contract prediction:Â 1 year, $10 million + incentives
The Pirates could look for a shortstop upgrade after shifting Oneil Cruz to center field late in the season. Kim has experience at all three infield positions other than first base and won a Gold Glove as a second baseman while receiving MVP votes in 2023.
The recently-turned 29-year-old underwent right shoulder surgery on his labrum and Bowden suggests a prove-it type contract could be in play because of it. If that’s the case, this deal for Kim makes sense for the Pirates.
35. RHP Carlos Estévez
- 2024 stats:Â 4-5, 2.45 ERA, 55 innings, 38 hits, 15 earned runs, 12 walks, 50 strikeouts, 26 saves, 54 appearances
- Contract prediction:Â 3 years, $33 million
In addition to upgrading the lineup, the Pirates will focus on revamping a bullpen that underperformed in 2024. Estéves, 31, is one of the top relief arms on the market this offseason and will have many suitors.
As is the case with Bellinger but to a much lesser extent, this feels on the steep side for the Pirates’ taste.
Staring Pitching
The rotation doesn’t look like it will be in need of major repair for next year, but anything can happen this time of year. If for some reason, the Pirates feel like they need to add a veteran arm to their rotation, Bowden lists Pittsburgh as a potential landing spot for several notable arms.
But given their needs and penny-pinching approach when it comes to spending, these aren’t likely — at least not yet.
- 19. RHP Michael Wacha: 3 years, $54 million
- 36. RHP Luis Severino:Â 2 years, $32 million
- 37. LHP Jose Quintana:Â 2 years, $28 million