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What Are Pirates’ Three Biggest Needs This Offseason?

Pittsburgh has three main priorities this winter

Coming off their seventh straight losing season and tenth consecutive year without a postseason appearance, the Pittsburgh Pirates have significant work to do this offseason if they want to compete for a playoff spot.

The Pirates have several areas to address, but tackling these three would put them in much better shape heading into 2026.

The main area of focus for Ben Cherington’s front office has to be the offense, which was among the worst in baseball last year. Pittsburgh ranked last in runs, home runs, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases.

The Pirates’ lack of power was particularly glaring, especially in the infield. The team also had just one hitter on the entire roster, Spencer Horwitz, with an above-average OPS.

Pittsburgh needs to add some punch and length to its lineup with multiple quality bats this offseason, ideally by trading some of its young pitching for a big bopper.

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The Pirates’ pitching staff is in good shape after ranking seventh in ERA this year, but there’s still room for improvement. Pittsburgh could use some left-handed pitching after losing Bailey Falter, Andrew Heaney, Caleb Ferguson and Tim Mayza last season, especially in the rotation. Bringing in some southpaws would help balance the team’s righty-heavy staff.

The Pirates could also use another high-leverage reliever or two after trading Ferguson, David Bednar and Taylor Rogers at the deadline. The bullpen struggled at times without them and could use some reinforcements this winter.

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If Pittsburgh bolsters its lineup and makes some minor tweaks to its pitching staff this offseason, that could help this young roster take a big step forward under Don Kelly next season.

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Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images