The Pittsburgh Pirates made their first splash of the offseason at the Winter Meetings by signing left-handed reliever Gregory Soto to a one-year, $7.75 million deal - a solid move that gives their bullpen a much-needed power lefty with swing-and-miss stuff. But it turns out Soto wasn’t the only reliever on their radar.
Before finalizing the Soto deal, the Pirates reportedly showed interest in free-agent right-hander Seranthony Domínguez. And while nothing materialized at the time, that door hasn’t been fully closed. The Pirates may still be keeping tabs on Domínguez as the winter progresses.
Here’s the thing, though: adding Soto was smart, but doubling down on bullpen arms right now? That’s not where this team needs to be investing its resources.
Let’s not lose sight of what the Pirates are building - and what still needs building. The bullpen, once a glaring weakness, has quietly turned into a respectable group.
Dennis Santana earned his way into meaningful innings last season. Soto brings a power presence from the left side that this team hasn’t had in years.
Isaac Mattson was quietly effective, and Justin Lawrence has the kind of electric stuff that plays late in games - if he can consistently find the zone.
There’s also help on the way. Ryan Harbin and Brandan Bidois are close to contributing, and for the first time in a while, the Pirates have a wave of young arms that look like legitimate bullpen assets, not just placeholders. Add in some roster flexibility with optionable relievers, and this bullpen can be mixed and matched without relying on duct tape and desperation.
That’s real progress. But here’s the hard truth: a better bullpen doesn’t matter if the offense can’t score.
This team didn’t finish last in runs, home runs, and OPS last season because of the bullpen. That was a lineup problem - a big, blinking, can’t-ignore-it-any-longer lineup problem. And that’s where the Pirates need to direct their energy, creativity, and payroll.
Domínguez is a quality arm. On the right team, he’s a setup man or even a closer.
Before Soto signed, it made sense for the Pirates to kick the tires - they needed proven arms. But now?
Adding another $8-10 million reliever is a luxury, not a necessity.
The Pirates aren’t one reliever away from contention. They’re several bats away. And that’s where the front office, led by Ben Cherington, needs to stay locked in.
To Cherington’s credit, early signals suggest the focus has shifted to offense - and that’s exactly where it should be. If Domínguez or another veteran arm is still on the market in February, sure, circle back. But right now, every dollar and every trade chip should be aimed at bringing in hitters who can make opposing pitchers sweat.
Soto was the right move at the right time. But the next move needs to be a bat.
Or two. Or three.
Because until the Pirates fix the lineup, no amount of late-inning firepower is going to change the outcome on the scoreboard.
The foundation needs work. Don’t start decorating the bullpen until the offense is ready to carry its weight.