Pirates Named Potential Landing Spot For Free Agent Slugger

After a mediocre season from the offense, the Pittsburgh Pirates could look to add a slugger (or two) in the offseason.

Pittsburgh didn’t have the success they wanted to in 2024, finishing the season with a 76-86 record and missing the playoffs. A major reason for that was the offense and its lack of scoring. The Pirates ranked 25th in home runs (160) and 24th in runs (665) through the 2024 campaign — making this their necessary improvement to try and contend next season.

Multiple options are currently free agents, and The Athletic’s Andy McCullough believes that former Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neil would be a good fit for Pittsburgh.

“O’Neill clubbed the baseball around in his lone season in Boston,” McCullough wrote. “He slugged .511 and hit 31 homers. He won’t turn 30 until next June. He won two Gold Gloves with St. Louis. So why isn’t he expected to secure a nine-figure deal? Injuries. He’s been dogged by them the last few years.

“He played 113 games for Boston as he dealt with a variety of minor issues. A team like Pittsburgh, which isn’t too far away from contending in the National League Central, should be willing to risk a three-year deal on a player with O’Neill’s upside.”

The Pirates will make some additions in the offseason. Perhaps the former Gold Glove winner will be one of them.

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