The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a few moves this offseason, but so far, they’re still searching for that one lineup-changing bat. They swung a deal for Jhostynxon Garcia from the Red Sox-a solid pickup-but that’s not the kind of addition that transforms an offense overnight.
They were reportedly in on Kyle Schwarber before missing out, and just as it looked like Jorge Polanco might be in play, the Mets stepped in. So here we are in mid-December, with the Pirates still looking for answers at the plate.
And while the offense clearly needs a spark, it’s not just about making a splashy signing. This is a team that needs to get better in multiple areas without blowing the budget. There’s room here for smart, strategic moves-especially in the outfield.
One name that would’ve made a lot of sense? Mike Yastrzemski.
The veteran outfielder just signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Braves, and while there’s no indication Pittsburgh was in the mix, he would’ve been a strong fit. At 35, Yastrzemski is still producing.
He hit 17 home runs last season, posted a 106 wRC+, and racked up 2.4 fWAR. That’s steady, left-handed power-something this Pirates lineup could use.
Pairing him in a platoon with Garcia would’ve added balance and experience to the outfield.
But with Yastrzemski off the board, the Pirates need to pivot. The free-agent outfield market isn’t exactly deep-especially for a team that’s not going to chase top-tier names like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger. If Pittsburgh wants to upgrade, the trade market might be the more realistic-and more fruitful-path.
One name to keep a close eye on: Lars Nootbaar.
The Cardinals are clearly in teardown mode, and Nootbaar is one of several players reportedly available. The Pirates have already been linked to him, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s coming off a down year at the plate-posting a 96 wRC+, 13 home runs, and a .686 OPS-but the underlying numbers tell a more encouraging story.
Nootbaar still hit the ball hard last season, with a 50% hard-hit rate and a 10.2% barrel rate. He’s also got a disciplined approach, chasing pitches outside the zone just 22% of the time. Those are the kind of advanced metrics that suggest a bounce-back is very much in play-especially if he gets healthy.
That’s the key here. Nootbaar dealt with a heel injury that required surgery this offseason, and there’s a chance he won’t be ready for Opening Day in 2026.
But he’s expected back before summer, and that could work in Pittsburgh’s favor. His trade value might be just low enough to make a deal possible without giving up top-tier talent.
A package built around Wyatt Sanford and Mitch Jebb could get it done. Sanford, a second-round pick in 2024, is still in Low-A but brings elite speed and defensive upside.
Jebb, likely to begin the year in Triple-A, has similar tools-plus strong contact skills. Both are promising, but neither is untouchable.
And for two years of Nootbaar? That’s a gamble worth taking.
Even if he misses spring training, Nootbaar has the potential to be a difference-maker once he’s back in the lineup. He’s a better all-around player than most of what’s left in free agency, and he brings a combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive versatility that fits what the Pirates need.
If Ben Cherington is serious about upgrading this roster without overspending, this is the kind of move that makes sense. Call up the Cardinals.
See what it takes. Because if Nootbaar rebounds the way his metrics suggest he can, he could be one of the savvier acquisitions of the offseason-and exactly the kind of piece that helps Pittsburgh take the next step.