Pirates Offseason Needs: Free Agent Third Basemen; The Expected and One Big Splash
Konnor Griffin is the shortstop of the future for the Pittsburgh Pirates. That is certain. When exactly is that future? That’s not quite as clear.
It could theoretically come on Opening Day in March, but that feels aggressive. More likely, it will come at some point later in the 2026 regular season, and probably a day in which the Pirates are playing at home.
Until he arrives in Pittsburgh, the Pirates can play Jared Triolo at shortstop. Triolo played a lot of short down the stretch for the Pirates in 2025 and performed well offensively after he was called up following the trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes just before the trade deadline.
In doing this, the Pirates will create a hole at third base, an area in which will need addressed. For a team that needs offensive help, third base is a prime area to try and improve the lineup.
There are several free agents who could fit the Pirates — both in terms of need and while operating within their limited budget. There’s also one other free agent they should pursue, though they will have to get out of their comfort zone to do so.
Alex Bregman is out of the question. Japanese star Munetaka Murakami looks destined for a big market. If Max Muncy ultimately becomes available via trade or the Dodgers declining his option, the Pirates should pursue him. But here are some possibilities that will be the market.
Yoán Moncada
There’s a familiar tie between Moncada and the current Pirates’ front office. Ben Cherington was the general manager of the Boston Red Sox when Moncada signed as an amateur free agent out of Cuba in 2015.
Moncada made his MLB debut with Boston in 2016, was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Chris Sale and spent eight seasons there before inking with the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent last offseason.
A couple stints on the injured list limited the 30-year-old to 84 games in 2025. When he was healthy, Moncada was productive. He slashed .234/.336/.448 with 13 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 35 RBI. For his career, he’s been an above league-average performer (107 OS+).
But with his solid offense last season came dreadful defense. In 76 games at third base, Moncada committed nine errors and had minus-10 defensive runs saved. But the Pirates might be in position to sacrifice some defense for better offense.
Luis Rengifo
Another Angel, Rengifo had a down 2025 season. Despite playing in a career-high 147 games, the 28-year-old his just .238 with a .622 OPS, 16 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 43 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
But Rengifo is not far removed from a successful run at the plate. In 331 games from 2022-24, Rengifo owned a .273/.323/.431 batting line (109 OPS+) with 50 doubles, nine triples, 39 home runs, 133 RBI and 36 stolen bases.
Rengifo also provides versatility with games played at third base, second, shortstop and all three outfield spots in his career.
Willi Castro
Castro’s season can be split into to separate categories. Pre-trade deadline: Good. Post trade-deadline: Bad.
Castro began the season with the Minnesota Twins and slashed .245/.335/.407 with 15 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 27 RBI and nine steals. But after a trade to the Chicago Cubs, the 28-year-old hit just .170 with a .485 OPS in 35 games.
An All-Star with the Twins in 2024, third base is not Castro’s primary position, but he’s played it before and can bounce around the diamond, too.
Eugenio Suárez
You want to instantly improve the offense? Here’s how you do it.
Suárez is 34 years old. He will likely want a three-year deal. Teams will offer a two-year deal. If the Pirates want to put themselves in a more attractive position, they could offer him three years at a slightly-lower AAV than other teams. But forget the financials for a second. Tell me Suárez wouldn’t look good in the heart of the Pirates’ lineup?
In 159 games between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners this season, Suárez hit 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs. His home run total was 41.9% of the Pirates’ team total (117) while his 118 RBI were 21% of how many the Pirates had as a team (561).
Suraez gives you thump — plenty of strikeouts too — but the Pirates should be willing to make that trade. But that will be up to Bob Nutting and co.
Other possibilities: Dylan Moore, Amed Rosario, Luis Urias
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