The Pittsburgh Pirates typically aren’t major free-agent spenders, but some available veterans could help them take the next step toward contention in 2026.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller identified suitors for the offseason’s top-25 free agents, choosing a logical landing spot and dark horse for each player. Miller mentioned the Pirates as an under-the-radar option for third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitcher Merrill Kelly.
Suárez hit as many home runs this season (49) as Pittsburgh’s three home-run leaders (Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen) combined. The 34-year-old would also fill a position of need after the Pirates traded longtime third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes before the trade deadline.
“The Buccos desperately need more home runs to support what already could be a postseason-caliber pitching staff,” Miller wrote. “And while Suárez fell barely shy of 50 home runs, Pirates third basemen collectively managed just six in 2025. It’s a signing that could significantly raise Pittsburgh’s ceiling in 2026.”
Starting pitching isn’t as much of a concern for the Pirates, who can boast a promising rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft and a returning Jared Jones. Yet an experienced innings-eater could nicely complement that young group.
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Miller noted that the Pirates typically add a cheap starter, citing Jose Quintana, Martín Pérez, Rich Hill and Andrew Heaney in recent years. Although he turns 37 next week, Kelly will probably be more expensive than those hurlers after registering a 3.52 ERA in 184 innings this season.
“Kelly might be out of their price range, a cut above where those former Pirates were at in their careers when they signed those deals,” Miller said. “But getting a veteran starting pitcher on an affordable, one-year deal is something this team tries to do every winter.”
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