The Pittsburgh Pirates have been busy this offseason, but there’s still one big question hanging over the roster: who’s manning the left side of the infield?
At shortstop, the answer seems to be coming from within. Konnor Griffin is expected to get every opportunity to break camp with the big-league club, and if he doesn’t, it’s only a matter of time before he’s up in Pittsburgh. The organization clearly sees him as a key piece of the future-and possibly the present.
But third base? That’s where things get complicated.
The Pirates had their sights set on Kazuma Okamoto to lock down the hot corner, but the Toronto Blue Jays swooped in late during free agency and pulled off a deal. That left Pittsburgh scrambling for a Plan B.
General Manager Ben Cherington is well aware of the hole at third and has reportedly been in talks with free agents Eugenio Suárez and Yoán Moncada. Suárez would bring the kind of pop that fans love, but his age and expected salary make him a tough fit for a Pirates team that’s trying to build smart and sustainably.
That leaves Moncada as the more likely option-and not just because he’s more affordable. There’s a history here.
Back in 2015, Moncada was the crown jewel of international free agency, signing with the Red Sox for a then-record $31.5 million bonus. The GM who signed him?
Ben Cherington. Moncada didn’t last long in Boston-just eight games-before being shipped to the White Sox in the blockbuster deal that brought Chris Sale to Fenway.
But the connection between Moncada and Cherington is real, and it could be the foundation for a reunion in Pittsburgh.
Now, let’s talk about what Moncada brings to the table today.
His career hasn’t quite lived up to the hype that surrounded him as a top prospect, and injuries have played a big role in that. Over the past four seasons, he’s averaged just 73 games per year.
The 2024 season was nearly a total wash, and even in 2025, he was limited to 84 games. But when he was on the field last year, there were signs of life.
Moncada slashed .234/.336/.448 in 2025-numbers that don’t jump off the page at first glance, but when you dig in, there’s more there. His 11.1% walk rate showed he still has a patient approach at the plate, and his .214 ISO was his best power output since his breakout 2019 season.
All told, his offensive production was 18% better than league average. That’s something the Pirates could definitely use.
But Moncada’s days as an everyday player might be behind him. He’s become more of a platoon option, with a stark split in his performance based on the opposing pitcher’s handedness.
Last season, he posted an .815 OPS against right-handers-but just .477 against lefties. That’s a pretty clear sign he needs to be deployed strategically.
Enter Jared Triolo.
Triolo is the kind of glove-first utility man who can quietly hold down a role without making headlines. But he’s also shown he can hit lefties, putting up a .275/.339/.459 line against them last season. He’s a better defender than Moncada at this point, too-injuries have taken a toll on Moncada’s range and mobility.
Put the two together, and you’ve got a potential third base platoon that makes a lot of sense. Moncada handles righties, Triolo takes on lefties, and both stay fresher over the course of a long season. If they can combine for something close to an .800 OPS, that’s a win for Pittsburgh-especially considering the cost.
No, this isn’t a move that’s going to set the league on fire. It’s not a blockbuster.
But it’s a smart, calculated play that gives the Pirates a higher floor at a position that’s been a question mark. And sometimes, raising the floor is exactly what a young team needs to stay competitive while the rest of the roster matures.
If Moncada can stay healthy and Triolo continues to produce in his role, third base could quietly become a position of strength-or at least stability-for the Pirates in 2026.