The Pittsburgh Pirates headed into the offseason with a clear objective: revamp an offense that struggled mightily last season. General manager Ben Cherington and the front office made strides in strengthening the lineup, but the glaring issue at third base remains unresolved.
After trading Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds last year, the Pirates have been left with a significant gap at the hot corner. Throughout the winter, fans were buzzing with rumors of potential solutions.
Let's dive into three offseason rumors that Pirates fans were hoping would come to fruition.
1. Signing Eugenio Suárez in Free Agency
Eugenio Suárez seemed like the perfect fit for Pittsburgh. With his right-handed power and leadership qualities, he was exactly the kind of presence the Pirates needed. Coming off a season with 49 home runs, Suárez was the impact hitter the team lacked.
As the offseason progressed and Suárez remained unsigned, hope grew that the Pirates could land him. However, the dream turned into a nightmare when Suárez signed with the Cincinnati Reds, joining forces with Hayes. This not only left the Pirates without a solution but also strengthened a division rival, a sting that will linger as they aim to compete in the NL Central.
2. Trading for Mark Vientos
When free agency didn't pan out, the trade market offered some intriguing possibilities. Mark Vientos of the New York Mets was a name that frequently popped up.
With 27 home runs in 2024, Vientos showcased the right-handed power the Pirates needed. At just 23, he fit well with Pittsburgh's young core, including prospects like Paul Skenes.
The Mets were considering trading Vientos due to a crowded infield, making the rumor feel plausible. However, his production dip in 2025 caused hesitation on both sides.
The Mets weren't keen to sell low, and the Pirates questioned the sustainability of his breakout season. Ultimately, no deal materialized, leaving fans yearning for the young power hitter who could grow with the team.
3. Trading for Isaac Paredes
Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros was another exciting possibility. A proven impact bat and 2024 All-Star, Paredes had over 100 home runs in four seasons, making him a consistent power threat. His profile was enticing for a Pirates lineup needing immediate thump.
However, complications arose. Houston valued Paredes highly and likely demanded a significant return.
Additionally, questions about his pull-heavy power translating to PNC Park's dimensions added to the uncertainty. In the end, the Pirates didn't make the move.
With none of these rumors coming to fruition, the Pirates enter the season with uncertainty at third base. Jared Triolo appears to be the current option, but he projects more as a defensive utility player than a long-term offensive answer. For a team looking to capitalize on its competitive window while Skenes shines on the mound, this remains a significant risk.
Addressing the league's worst offense was crucial, but solving the third base dilemma was expected to be more straightforward. As the season unfolds, the Pirates will need to find answers to keep pace in the competitive NL Central.