Potential Pirates Trade Targets: Outfielder Primed for Rebound Season

This is one in a series of examining potential trade targets for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2024-25 offseason.

The reality of Ben Cherington’s situation is that he must hunt for bargains.

The Pittsburgh Pirates general manager works with a limited budget, which is how the organization rolls under Bob Nutting. Thus, Cherington is always searching for undervalued players in free agency or buy-low players in trades while building his roster each offseason.

The Houston Astros shape up as a potential trade partner for the Pirates as they have an outfielder whose trade value is low following a disappointing 2024.

Chas McCormick hit just .211/.271/.306 in 94 games with five home runs and eight stolen bases. He was minus-2 in defensive runs saved and his bWAR was minus-0.6. McCormick was also on the injured list twice because of right hamstring discomfort and a fractured left wrist.

The 29-year-old is eligible for salary arbitration for the second time. After making $2.85 million this past season, his 2025 salary will get bumped to a minimum of $3 million and maybe as much as $3.5 million.

The cynic would say McCormick is a typical Pirates player, on the downhill side of his career. However, there is reason to believe McCormick could still be a useful player.

In 2023, McCormick had a slash line of .273/.353/.489 in 115 games. He also hit 22 home runs, stole 19 bases, had five defensive runs saved and a 3.6 bWAR.

A return to that level in 2025 would provide a boost for the Pirates, who were 23rd in batting average, 24th in runs, 25th in home runs, 26th in on-base percentage and 27th in OPS this year. Despite his drop-off defensively, McCormick’s career fielding metrics are good at all three outfield positions.

It is instructive to note that McCormick was above average offensively in his first three big-league seasons before dipping this year. While McCormick’s right-handed bat might not play as well at PNC Park, he is only one season from just missing a 20-20 season.

The Astros are looking to add starting pitching, and the Pirates have depth in that department. Likewise, Houston could afford to trade McCormick as it has a surplus of outfielders.

The Pirates offer left-hander Bailey Falter in trade talks coming off a solid first full season in the major leagues. He went 8-9 with a 4.43 ERA in 28 starts and 142.2 innings.

Eligible for arbitration, Falter’s salary next season should be in the $3-million range. Thus, trading him for McCormick would be close to a financial wash, always a big factor for the Pirates.