The Pittsburgh Pirates have been laying the groundwork for something bigger. After years of rebuilding and flashes of promise, 2026 could be the year they finally start turning potential into production. And while the win-loss column hasn’t quite caught up to the talent yet-remember, they finished 71-91 last season, dead last in the NL Central-the pieces are starting to fall into place.
Let’s start with the obvious bright spot: Paul Skenes. Since making his debut in 2024, the former top draft pick has evolved into one of the most complete pitchers in the game.
He’s the kind of arm you build a rotation around, and the Pirates know it. But even with Skenes dealing every fifth day, the team hasn’t been able to consistently stack wins.
That’s where this offseason comes into play.
Pittsburgh has been active-and not just for the sake of headlines. They’ve made smart, targeted moves aimed at shoring up weaknesses and injecting some much-needed pop and depth into the roster.
The bullpen got a boost with the addition of lefty Gregory Soto, a hard-throwing reliever who brings late-inning experience and edge. Then came a trade with the Rays that brought in second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Jake Mangum.
Add to that a two-year deal with Ryan O’Hearn, and suddenly the Pirates’ lineup looks a lot more competitive.
But there’s still one glaring hole: third base.
Last season, Pittsburgh got next to nothing from the hot corner-just six home runs and a .573 OPS from that spot. That’s not going to cut it, especially in a division where every edge matters. Enter Eugenio Suárez, one of the top free agents still on the market and a potential game-changer for this team.
Suárez isn’t just a name. He’s a legitimate power bat, and the kind of right-handed thumper Pittsburgh is sorely lacking.
In 2025, he hit more home runs by himself than the Pirates’ top three home run hitters combined. That’s not a small stat-that’s a seismic gap in production.
Slotting him in at third would be a night-and-day upgrade, both offensively and defensively. It also balances out a lineup that’s already added a lefty bat in Lowe and a versatile piece in O’Hearn.
If the Pirates are serious about contending-and their offseason moves suggest they are-then Suárez should be at the top of their list. He brings veteran presence, playoff experience, and the kind of pop that can change a game with one swing.
More importantly, he fits the timeline. This isn’t a team looking to win five years from now.
With Skenes leading the rotation, a deeper bullpen, and a lineup that’s starting to take shape, the window could be opening sooner than expected.
Signing Suárez would be a statement-not just to the fans, but to the rest of the NL Central. The Pirates aren’t just rebuilding anymore.
They’re building to win. And if they land their man at third base, don’t be surprised if they’re still playing meaningful baseball come October.