The Pittsburgh Pirates have had an active - if not always fruitful - offseason, and their search for reinforcements continues as spring training approaches. After being linked to Eugenio Suárez earlier in the winter, the Pirates watched him sign with division rival Cincinnati, a move that stings for a team looking to take the next step toward playoff contention. But Pittsburgh isn’t done yet, and their latest reported target could be a game-changer for their rotation: free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito.
Giolito, who’s coming off a solid season with the Red Sox, is still on the market, and the Pirates are reportedly one of several teams keeping tabs on the former All-Star. He posted a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA last season - respectable numbers that suggest he’s still got plenty left in the tank. Despite that performance, Boston opted not to extend him, leaving Giolito in search of a new home with just weeks to go before camps open.
For Pittsburgh, the timing couldn’t be more critical. The team has already made strides in reshaping its roster, but adding a veteran like Giolito would provide both stability and leadership to a young rotation that includes reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. Pairing Giolito’s experience with Skenes’ electric talent could give the Pirates a formidable one-two punch - the kind of combination that can anchor a playoff push.
Giolito’s market is still developing, but the Orioles have also expressed interest, looking to bolster their own postseason hopes. That means the Pirates will need to act quickly if they want to land the right-hander. Waiting too long could mean watching another key piece slip away.
From a team-building standpoint, Giolito fits the mold of what the Pirates need. He’s a proven starter who can eat innings, mentor younger arms, and potentially serve as a valuable trade chip if the season doesn’t go as planned. Whether he’s a front-end option on a rebuilding team or a back-end stabilizer on a contender, Giolito brings flexibility - and upside.
The Pirates have made it clear they’re not content to sit still. The foundation is there, and the front office knows the window is starting to crack open.
But to make noise in a competitive NL Central, they’ll need more than promise. They’ll need arms.
And if Lucas Giolito ends up in black and gold, it could be one of the more quietly impactful signings of the offseason.