MLB Executives Expect Pirates To Make ‘Noise’ This Offseason

Buzz continues to build about the Pittsburgh Pirates taking a proactive approach to the offseason.

The Pirates are getting linked to more big-name free agents than usual, a sign that the organization could adjust its usual approach and make a big winter splash. Some people around the league have taken notice.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers polled 16 MLB executives on several pressing offseason questions. The Pirates received the most votes (five) when asked which small-market team will “make the most noise this winter.”

One respondee feels the Pirates will be motivated to improve their lineup so they can capitalize on a promising pitching staff led by National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes.

“The Pirates better pair a good hitter or two with Skenes or else we all know what happens,” one executive said. “There’s been enough chatter. I vote for them.”

Another executive acknowledged murmurs in Pittsburgh despite choosing the Kansas City Royals.

“Both Pittsburgh and Kansas City have top-of-the-game superstars that they need to support with more money,” a voter said. “The noise from Pittsburgh has already started, but I will go with Kansas City because I think they spend the most on one player.”

That might be music to the ears of Pirates fans hoping to see their first playoff appearance since 2015. Pittsburgh went 71-91 with an MLB-worst .655 OPS this year, so the offense needs a spark to take a significant step forward in 2026.

A slugger such as Eugenio Suárez could go a long way toward brightening Pittsburgh’s future outlook.

More MLB: What’s Driving Pirates’ Surprising New Offseason Approach?