What’s Next For Pirates After First Major Offseason Move?

The Pittsburgh Pirates made their first major move of the winter last week, sending Johan Oviedo and two prospects to the Boston Red Sox for top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and Jesus Travieso.

By getting a top 100 prospect who’s Major League ready in Garcia, the Pirates added a young, team-controlled bat with a high ceiling to their lineup. It’s a good start, but they still have work to do if they want to contend for a playoff spot next year.

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, it wouldn’t be surprising for Pittsburgh to make another similar trade this offseason.

“Yet, even after parting with Oviedo, the Pirates are open to trading another starting pitcher not named Paul Skenes, according to team sources. The return would need to be a hitter who would go directly into their lineup. After scoring the fewest runs in the majors during their seventh straight losing season, club officials will not rule out anything,” Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic on Thursday.

What’s next for the Pirates after their first major transaction of the offseason? https://t.co/yOJyYyK7nG

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2025

While Garcia has a ton of upside, he’s only 22 and has played in just five MLB games so far. There’s no guarantee he produces in 2026, so Pittsburgh would be wise to add a proven bat in case he struggles as a rookie.

“The Pirates’ goal this offseason is to add one or two regulars, plus two to four other less-proven position players who would add depth,” Rosenthal reported, adding that Pittsburgh considers Garcia as more of a depth option for now given his lack of experience.

Rosenthal also linked the Pirates to several bats on the free-agent market. Pittsburgh is reportedly looking to spend more this winter, potentially giving Ben Cherington some money to play with.

“Infielders Jorge Polanco, Ryan O’Hearn and Kazuma Okamoto are among the free-agent hitters the Pirates are considering,” Rosenthal added. “Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe and New York Mets second baseman/outfielder Jeff McNeil are among the other players they might explore in trades. Pretty much every hitter available is on the Pirates’ radar.”

That’s good news for the Pirates, who need all the offensive help they can get after ranking last in MLB in scoring last year. Now they just need to go out and get some of them.

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