MLB Offseason Rumblings: Pirates Still Hunting for Power, Phillies Eye Catcher Market, Orioles Targeting Lefty Help
Seven weeks removed from the final out of the World Series, and the MLB offseason is still stuck in first gear. Only three of the top 10 free agents have signed, and just two of the top 25 trade candidates have been moved.
But with a three-team trade going down on Friday, there’s hope that the hot stove is finally starting to warm up. Here’s a look at some of the latest developments around the league as teams continue shaping their 2026 rosters.
Pirates Still Looking to Add a Proven Bat
The Pittsburgh Pirates already made a move to bolster their lineup with the addition of Brandon Lowe, but they’re not done yet. General Manager Ben Cherington made it clear the club is still in the market for a “proven bat,” and frankly, that’s exactly what they need.
Let’s call it what it is: Pittsburgh’s offense in 2025 was among the league’s worst. They finished dead last in both runs scored and home runs - not exactly a recipe for contention. That means just about every position is on the table for an upgrade, but third base, designated hitter, and possibly left field stand out as clear areas of need.
Financially, the Pirates are sitting in a manageable spot. FanGraphs projects their 2026 payroll at around $82 million, including arbitration estimates - a slight dip from the $87 million they carried last season. If ownership is willing to maintain or slightly increase spending, there’s room for another meaningful addition.
And there’s reason to believe they might be. Pittsburgh has shown a willingness to swing big this winter - their pursuit of Kyle Schwarber being a prime example. If that level of aggression continues, don’t be surprised if Cherington has another move (or two) up his sleeve.
Phillies Exploring Catcher Market as Realmuto Talks Stall
The Phillies and J.T. Realmuto still feel like a natural fit, but so far, a reunion hasn't materialized.
According to reports, Philadelphia has a formal offer on the table, but talks haven’t gained much traction. In the meantime, the front office is doing its due diligence and checking in on the trade market for catchers.
Realmuto, who ranked 13th on this offseason’s free agent board, remains the top backstop available - and by a wide margin. The next best option in free agency is Victor Caratini, a versatile player who now spends as much time at first base and DH as he does behind the plate. That’s not exactly a one-for-one replacement.
So the Phillies are looking elsewhere, and one name that makes a lot of sense is Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers. He’s a year away from free agency, and Minnesota already signaled their willingness to sell at the deadline this past summer. Jeffers could be a logical fit for a team like Philly, which needs stability behind the dish but might not want to overextend financially or wait out Realmuto’s decision.
Bottom line: the Phillies want Realmuto back, but they’re not going to sit on their hands if it doesn’t happen.
Orioles Eyeing Cardinals Lefty JoJo Romero
Baltimore’s bullpen makeover isn’t over yet. After already adding Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge to the mix, the Orioles are now showing interest in Cardinals lefty JoJo Romero, per reports.
Romero, 29, fits the mold of what contenders look for in a late-inning southpaw. He’s a sinkerballer who keeps the ball in the yard - a valuable skill in today’s launch-angle-heavy game. With free agency looming next winter and the Cardinals not prioritizing 2026 contention, Romero is a logical trade candidate.
The Orioles already have two lefties in their bullpen - Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns - but neither profiles as a high-leverage, matchup-specific arm. Romero could fill that role, especially in the AL East, where the ability to neutralize dangerous left-handed hitters is crucial. Just look around the division: Roman Anthony, Jonathan Aranda, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jarren Duran, Ben Rice, Daulton Varsho - the list of impact lefty bats is long and growing.
Adding Romero would give Baltimore another weapon in what’s shaping up to be a deep and flexible bullpen - a must-have for any team with October aspirations.
Final Thoughts
While this offseason has been slow to develop, the pieces are starting to move. The Pirates are still searching for power, the Phillies are weighing their options behind the plate, and the Orioles are fine-tuning a bullpen built for the AL East grind.
It may have taken a while, but the stove’s starting to crackle. Don’t be surprised if the next few weeks bring a flurry of long-awaited action.