The Pittsburgh Pirates have already made some noise this offseason-but they might not be done yet.
As we settle into February, the free agent market is starting to shift. Prices are coming down, opportunities are opening up, and for a team like the Pirates-who traditionally operate with a tight budget-this is where things can get interesting.
General manager Ben Cherington has made it clear: he’s not looking to make splashy, high-risk moves. Instead, the focus is on short-term deals, mid-tier dollars, and players with real upside.
And with several intriguing names still available, Pittsburgh could be primed to make one more savvy addition before Opening Day.
Let’s start with the most glaring need: right-handed power, especially at third base. It’s been a soft spot in the lineup for a while now, and while the Pirates missed out on Eugenio Suárez-who would’ve brought 30-homer pop to the hot corner-they’re not out of options just yet.
One name that still makes a lot of sense? Marcell Ozuna.
The 35-year-old slugger was linked to the Pirates back in December, but nothing materialized. Still, his profile fits exactly what Cherington has been talking about.
Ozuna brings veteran presence and legitimate power without commanding a long-term commitment. He hit 21 home runs last season and has launched 100 over the past three years.
That kind of production, even in a part-time or DH role, would give Pittsburgh’s lineup a much-needed jolt. And at this stage in free agency, a short-term deal could be enough to land him.
On the pitching side, there’s still value to be found-especially in the bullpen. Names like Daniel Coulombe, Scott Barlow, and Justin Wilson are still out there, and while none of them are going to headline the back end of a bullpen, all three could bring solid depth and reliability. For a Pirates team that’s had its share of bullpen inconsistencies, adding one or two of these arms could be a quiet but meaningful upgrade.
Then there’s the rotation.
Jose Quintana, who pitched for the Pirates back in 2022, could be a smart reunion candidate. He’s coming off a solid season with Milwaukee, where he posted an 11-7 record and a 3.96 ERA.
He’s not a frontline ace, but that’s not what Pittsburgh needs. With Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones anchoring the top of the rotation, what the Pirates are really looking for is stability and innings at the back end.
Quintana fits that bill. A one-year deal-maybe a bit pricier than usual-could round out the rotation and make it one of the deeper groups in the National League.
The Pirates aren’t going to win the offseason headlines. That’s not their game.
But with the market cooling and prices dropping, they’re in a position to make one more move that could pay real dividends. Whether it’s a veteran bat like Ozuna, a bullpen piece for depth, or a steady hand like Quintana in the rotation, there are still pieces out there that fit what this team is trying to build.
And if Cherington plays it right, the Pirates could head into the season with a roster that’s not just competitive-but quietly well-rounded.