The Pittsburgh Pirates are wrapping up what’s been one of their more eventful offseasons in recent memory - and for a franchise that’s often played it safe in the winter months, that’s saying something.
At the heart of this offseason’s storyline is a clear effort to inject more life into the offense, and the front office didn’t shy away from making moves. The additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn stand out - not just because of their talent, but because of what they represent: a shift in approach.
For a team that’s typically operated with a conservative hand, bringing in two former All-Stars is a bold statement. It signals that the Pirates are, at the very least, trying to shake off the inertia that’s plagued them in recent years.
Let’s break it down.
The Offensive Upgrades
Lowe brings left-handed pop and positional versatility, a valuable combo in today’s game. When healthy, he’s shown 20+ home run power and the ability to grind out quality at-bats.
O’Hearn, meanwhile, is coming off a career resurgence and gives the Pirates a much-needed middle-of-the-order presence. These aren’t headline-grabbing superstars, but they’re legitimate upgrades for a lineup that struggled mightily in 2025.
The Pirates didn’t stop there. They also pulled off trades with Tampa Bay and Boston to bring in more offensive depth, showing a willingness to be aggressive in reshaping the roster. It’s a refreshing change of pace.
Still Work to Be Done
But as much as the Pirates have improved, this isn’t a finished product. The third base situation remains unresolved - a glaring hole in an otherwise upgraded infield. A name like Eugenio Suárez would help solidify that spot and bring some much-needed power and experience to the hot corner.
There’s also the matter of the rotation. While the Pirates boast one of the stronger starting staffs in the league, the back end could use a left-handed option to balance things out.
Tyler Anderson or José Quintana would fit that bill nicely. Right now, the pitching depth is solid, but one more veteran arm could make it formidable.
Grading the Offseason
Depending on how you weigh potential versus proven production, the Pirates’ offseason grades out somewhere in the B range - with some giving it a B+, others a B, and one dissenting voice landing at a C.
The B+ crowd sees a team that exceeded expectations. This wasn’t a franchise known for making noise in the winter, yet here they are, having added legitimate talent and taken real steps toward contention. The moves weren’t perfect, but they were purposeful.
The B grades reflect cautious optimism. The Pirates didn’t land any blockbuster names, but they were active, and the roster is better now than it was in October. There’s still time to address third base and the back end of the rotation, and if they do, this offseason could look even better in hindsight.
Then there’s the C - a more skeptical take that questions whether any of these moves truly move the needle. The additions are solid, but not transformative. And in a division that’s still up for grabs, “solid” might not be enough.
The McCutchen Factor
One move that resonated beyond the stat sheet was bringing back Andrew McCutchen for what could be his final season. It’s a sentimental signing, sure, but also a meaningful one.
McCutchen remains a respected presence in the clubhouse and a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. His return adds a layer of emotional weight to this season - and possibly, a sense of urgency.
Bottom Line
The Pirates didn’t overhaul the roster, but they didn’t stand pat either. They made calculated, targeted moves to improve a lineup that needed help and preserved the strength of a rotation that already ranks among the league’s best. There’s still work to do - particularly at third base and in the bullpen - but this offseason has been a step in the right direction.
If the front office can land one more impact bat and a lefty arm to round out the staff, this could go down as one of the more successful winters the Pirates have had in years. For now, it’s a solid B - with the potential to climb.