The Pirates have been one of the more active names in the rumor mill this offseason-but so far, it’s been all talk and no traction. Despite being linked to a handful of high-profile free agents and international stars, Pittsburgh has yet to make a single addition to its major league roster. One area they’ve clearly zeroed in on is third base, a position left vacant after Ke’Bryan Hayes was dealt at the trade deadline.
That’s left GM Ben Cherington with a clear need and a narrowing window to address it. The Pirates have reportedly been in the mix for Japanese standouts like Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto, but as of now, neither has landed in Pittsburgh. If that trend of “almost but not quite” continues, the front office will need to pivot-quickly-and find a short-term solution at the hot corner.
Enter Yoan Moncada.
Now, Moncada isn’t the high-profile splash fans might’ve hoped for, but he’s a name worth watching. Despite battling injuries and appearing in only about half the games in 2025, Moncada still managed to post a wRC+ of 117, along with 12 home runs and a .783 OPS. That’s solid production-especially for a Pirates team that’s been desperate for offensive consistency.
The glove? That’s a different story.
Moncada’s defensive metrics at third base have been among the worst in the league. But that doesn’t mean he can’t help.
If Pittsburgh wants to protect his health and minimize the defensive liability, the designated hitter spot could be a natural fit. With Andrew McCutchen taking a step back in 2025 and mostly staying off the field, the Pirates could use a more dynamic bat in that role-and Moncada fits the bill.
He also gives the Pirates some flexibility. Even if he’s not a Gold Glover, Moncada can at least step in at third base if needed, giving the roster more depth and options.
And importantly, bringing in Moncada wouldn’t prevent the team from still pursuing a bigger name at third. He’s a complementary piece, not a roadblock.
There’s also a deeper connection here that makes the fit even more intriguing. Back in 2015, Cherington was the man who committed $63 million to a 19-year-old Moncada out of Cuba while running the Red Sox.
Moncada made his MLB debut in Boston the following year before being sent to the White Sox in the blockbuster Chris Sale trade. That deal happened after Cherington had moved on to a new role in Toronto, so he never got to see Moncada’s development firsthand.
But the belief was there. And if Cherington still sees something in the now-veteran infielder, this could be the perfect opportunity to reunite.
Cherington has shown a tendency to circle back to players he once scouted, drafted, or signed. A Moncada signing would follow that pattern-and more importantly, it would give the Pirates a legitimate upgrade at the plate. For a team that’s been quiet on the offensive front this winter, this move could be a much-needed first step.
It might not be the headline-making acquisition fans are waiting for, but Yoan Moncada could be a smart, strategic addition. And in a winter full of rumors and missed connections, the Pirates could use a win-on any level.