The Pittsburgh Pirates have made several additions this offseason but plan to continue bolstering their roster ahead of the 2026 season. General manager Ben Cherington emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance pitching and position players. With Spring Training approaching, the team eyes opportunities in the infield, outfield, and bullpen.
On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates introduced Ryan O’Hearn, marking their first multiyear free-agent signing since 2016 and the largest contract for a position player in franchise history. This move highlights a more active offseason, which also saw the addition of 2025 All-Star Brandon Lowe, left-handed pitchers Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery, and outfielders Jake Mangum and Jhostynxon Garcia.
With about a month until Spring Training, Cherington remains optimistic about further enhancements. "We have several weeks between now and Opening Day. It’s our job to use every day to hunt opportunities to get better," he said. "I’m confident we will continue to add to the roster during that time. [We] would like to add back to pitching... We’d still like to add to the position-player group."
In pitching, the Pirates traded starters Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows, leaving Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller as the only pitchers with 140-plus innings experience. Jared Jones is recovering from elbow surgery, prompting a need for veteran depth. The team favors a left-handed starter at PNC Park, with rookie Hunter Barco as their sole southpaw option. Pittsburgh has contacted José Quintana and Tyler Anderson for potential reunions. Bullpen additions like Soto and Montgomery are in place, but more relievers may follow.
The outfield has improved with Mangum's contact, speed, and defense, plus Garcia's high upside as a top-100 prospect. However, limited MLB experience and questions about Jack Suwinski's form suggest depth is needed. O’Hearn offers some outfield flexibility, alongside prospects Billy Cook, Nick Yorke, and Esmerlyn Valdez.
For the infield, top prospect Konnor Griffin eyes a Spring Training role, while Jared Triolo impressed in the season's final months. The Pirates have inquired about Eugenio Suárez—though a deal seems unlikely—and Yoán Moncada, who posted an .815 OPS against right-handers last year and could platoon with Triolo (.798 OPS vs. lefties). Cherington stressed opportunism across all areas to build a competitive roster.
