In a follow-up interview on MLB Network Radio, Pittsburgh Pirates GM Ben Cherington outlined remaining offseason targets, including starting pitching, bullpen help, and infield reinforcements, building on recent roster additions like Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, and Jhostynxon Garcia.
Following several offseason moves—including free-agent signings of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and reliever Gregory Soto, plus trades for second baseman Brandon Lowe and top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia—Pirates general manager Ben Cherington addressed lingering needs during a Sunday appearance on MLB Network Radio.
“Ideally, we would add in some form to both the starting pitching group and the bullpen group, and also at least one more position player,” Cherington said.
On the position-player front, the focus is the left side of the infield, though an outfielder remains possible. Jared Triolo, who finished 2025 strongly, is slated for third base or shortstop, with Nick Gonzales and 19-year-old No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin as shortstop options. Griffin will see significant Spring Training time and could make the Opening Day roster. The Pirates have checked in on free agents Eugenio Suárez and Yoán Moncada for third base.
The rotation currently features Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and No. 14 prospect Bubba Chandler, but lacks proven depth—only Skenes and Keller have eclipsed 140 innings in a season. Jared Jones, stellar in his 2024 debut, is due back in 2026 after right elbow surgery. To add a veteran lefty starter, Pittsburgh has contacted free agents Jose Quintana and Tyler Anderson.
