Pirates Q&A: Grading the Offseason, Which Third Baseman Fits Best?
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
Who do you expect the pirates to target on the left side of the infield now that [Yoan] Moncada is off the table. Also do you see an addition at the ML to the lineup or the rotation with 3 weeks left to ST. – Mike Stegman Jr
Unless they pursue a reunion with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, which seems unlikely for several reasons, the only third baseman in free agency worth adding is Eugenio Suárez. I know there are some concerns (age, second-half performance last season, defense) but he would still be the top guy on my board.
Adding his thump to the lineup would give the Pirates four players with 25-plus home run potential and would give Pittsburgh a formidable top six or seven (don’t do the thing) of the lineup.
But overall, I see the Pirates adding another position player, a veteran starting pitcher and another arm in the bullpen.
You think the pirates could trade for a third basemen like [Mark Vientos] or someone on that line with a little bit of power – Lee Crisman
Vientos could be a fit and the Pirates and Mets have talked about a number of players this offseason. Vientos isn’t a good defender and took a step back offensively from 2024 to 2025 but has shown the ability to be an impact hitter and is still only 26 years old.
The Mets still have a pretty crowded infield mix even after trades of Luisangel Acuña and top prospect Jett Williams and could look to make another move involving one of their depth pieces.
But Vientos should be (and likely is) on the Pirates’ radar.
Considering Cutch’s value to this franchise and city has consideration been given to bringing him back as Player/Coach? – Jim McGowan
Just brining him back as a player would be enough given the leadership he’s provided to a young clubhouse the last few seasons. He’s basically been a player/coach already.
But I made the argument for the Pirates to bring back Cutch for another season, one final ride as the team hopes to go to the postseason for the first time since No. 22 manned center field in 2015. His role would likely be lessened, which would give him more time to “coach.”
In your estimation, how well did the Pirates front office do in rebuilding the roster? Give a letter grade for their efforts. – @MrEd315
So far, I would give the Pirates a ‘B.’ I’ve had no issues with any of the moves they’ve made. In fact, I’ve actually liked each one.
Getting a quality hitter like Brandon Lowe plus two others for Mike Burrows is great value. Splurging some to sign Ryan O’Hearn looks like a good move. Trading Johan Oviedo for Jhostynxon García is worth the gamble to me and Gregory Soto is a fine addition to the bullpen.
But the Pirates need to spend more for two reasons. One, their payroll isn’t much different than what it was at the start of last season, even after trading Ke’Bryan Hayes and David Bednar at the deadline. Two, there is still work to be done.
The offseason could easily end up being an ‘A’ in my book with another impact bat, a veteran starting pitcher and a leverage reliever.
More about:PBN+
As far as Kutch goes, I’d like to see him come back as a player coach for the outfield, but does a player coach count on the roster for being a player? We definitely need a southpaw for the starting rotation and perhaps another arm in the bullpen third base is my concern if we can’t get Suarez I guess we’d have to go with Trilo at third Baseand Gonzalez at short until Connor Griffin is matured enough to play major league baseball. In the organizations mind. With all things considered I’m getting excited for spring training
My picks would be Cam Sanders, Yohan Ramirez and Jack Suwinski.
Bare with me here, I keep reading articles about the pirates interest in the following:
1. Eugenio Suarez for 3B
2. Jose Quintana – lefty starter
3. Evan Phillips reliever (was Seranthony Dominguez)
4. And resigning Andrew McCutcheon or adding Castellanos of Phils, I just don’t see the need for either though.
so who do the Pirates drop from their 40 man roster to add 3 or all 4 of these players?