The Pirates’ next move could hinge on Brandon Lowe’s free agency, and one Bleacher Report prediction has them taking a big swing if he departs.
Kerry Miller is projecting Pittsburgh to chase Jazz Chisholm Jr. as its replacement at the keystone, calling him an expensive but meaningful answer if Lowe walks after his 35-homer season. Miller wrote, "With Lowe now headed for free agency, they need to add an infielder if they're going to chase this sudden surge of competence," and added, "... Or maybe record scratch the Pirates sign one of the best free agents available in Jazz Chisholm Jr."
Chisholm, who played for the New York Yankees this past season, would bring speed to the table right away. He stole 41 bases in 2026, though the rest of the line was more uneven: 19 homers, a .231 batting average, and a .711 OPS.
Miller suggested Pittsburgh could try to land him on a one-year prove-it deal if the market doesn’t break his way, projecting an offer of "$30 million for one season." That kind of contract would be steep, but it would also give the Pirates an immediate Lowe replacement for 2027 and keep the door open to something longer term later.
Pittsburgh’s season was a step forward in 2026, even if it still ended short of the postseason. The club showed real improvement, and that’s what makes this kind of aggressive move at least believable. If Lowe leaves, the Pirates need offense, and Chisholm offers a different kind of punch: solid bat-to-ball ability, elite speed, and the kind of power that could still climb into the 30-homer range.
Miller’s forecast has Pittsburgh moving on from Lowe by landing Chisholm from the Yankees, a twist that could also line up with Lowe potentially becoming a fit for New York this winter.
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