How the Pittsburgh Pirates' offseason can propel the squad

The MLB season is officially right around the corner, with all 30 squads reporting to their respective camps, preparing for the upcoming spring training games.

The busy offseason is finally in the rearview mirror, and we can finally get a clearer idea of contenders and pretenders.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are quietly emerging as a dark horse this season after addressing several key needs on the offensive side of the ball.

Adding power and consistent hitting is exactly what Ben Cherington needed to obtain in order to help out a loaded pitching staff.

As we head towards the latter half of February, there’s a lot for Pirates fans to look forward to. Let’s see how these moves can free Pittsburgh from the NL Central basement.

Brandon Lowe

The Pirates came into the winter looking for bats, and back on December 19th, the Buccos made a trade, acquiring Brandon Lowe from the Rays in a three-team deal.

Pittsburgh also acquired outfielder Jake Mangum and pitcher Mason Montgomery alongside Lowe, while sending RHP Mike Burrowes to the Astros.

The Pirates targeted Lowe to boost their offense after finishing last in the MLB in runs, home runs and OPS a season ago.

Lowe’s coming off a 2025 campaign where he swatted 31 homers and was an All-Star. This was something the Pirates desperately needed, and they got it.

This is a great move, and it’s a much-needed lefty power bat that the Bucs, frankly, haven’t had since Pedro Alvarez.

Ryan O’Hearn

Bob Nutting did something that hasn’t happened in a decade: give out a multi-year deal to a free agent.

The Bucs signed another premium bat after the Lowe trade, bringing in Ryan O’Hearn on a two-year deal worth $29 million.

O’Hearn was a member of the Baltimore Orioles in early 2025, before hitting well enough to be shipped off to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.

The lefty is coming off his first career All-Star campaign by slashing .281 with 17 home runs. He had a solid .803 OPS, a category in which the Pirates ranked dead last a season ago.

The front office listened to the fans and media outlets, and they delivered by snatching one of the best hitters on the market.

Marcell Ozuna

After the Bucs missed out on Eugenio Suarez, who signed with the Reds, the front office had to pivot to the next best bat on the market.

That was Marcell Ozuna. The Pirates officially signed the 35-year-old on February 16 to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million.

The Big Bear spent the last six seasons in Atlanta, where he was an all-star and a Silver Slugger award winner.

Ozuna batted .232 with 19 doubles, 21 homers, 68 RBI last season, and his 123 home runs since the beginning of 2022 are the fourth-most in the NL.

This was a big get, and if Ozuna can stay healthy this year, there’s a real shot he can have a monster season.

Overall Takeaway

This squad, when healthy, has an 85-win ceiling. Their floor is 70 wins. The free agents Cherington brought in aren’t the only ones who need to produce.

There must be progress with Oneil Cruz, who has superstar ability but has been unable to put it all together. He will look to bounce back in a big way at the plate after finishing with the lowest average among qualified hitters (.200).

Bryan Reynolds is another guy to keep an eye on. He told reporters he fixed his swing and barrel placement, which was a major reason why there was a lack of pop and consistency

The 31-year-old will be another player who has to contribute to make the Pirates a true contender in 2026.

This will be one of the more exciting Pirates teams in recent memory, so only time will tell if this squad will finally save us from misery year after year. Please, just be competitive when we enter September.

Ben’s Prediction: 80-82

Austin’s Prediction: 83-79

Ben Barker is a third-year student studying broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bsb5566@psu.edu.

Austin Moran is a third-year student studying broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acm6506@psu.edu