The Pittsburgh Pirates need offensive improvements as they look ahead to the 2025 Major League Baseball season.
The Pirates finished the 2024 season with the same 76-86 record that they finished the 2023 season with. There were positives for Pittsburgh this season, including rookie superstar Paul Skenes being called to the big leagues and electrifying the league. The Pirates were in the playoff hunt for a while, but bullpen issues and their lack of offense kept them on the outside looking in.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn was listed as No. 24 as Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter listed the top 25 trade chips in baseball heading into the offseason and could be a target for the Pirates.
“Vaughn led the White Sox in hits (140), doubles (30), RBI (70) and total bases (229) while slugging 19 home runs, but he hit just .246/.297/.402 for a 99 OPS+ in 619 plate appearances,” Reuter writes. “He could benefit from a change of scenery and still offers some untapped offensive upside, though his lack of on-base ability does undercut his value.”
The Pirates ranked in the bottom third of the league in most major offensive statistics this season and could use a boost. First base is a position Pittsburgh could use an upgrade in, and Vaughn could be a perfect solution for them. The 26-year-old should be an affordable option to add a bat to the middle of the lineup for the Pirates after the White Sox just had the worst season in modern MLB history.
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