2 realistic Pirates extension candidates (and 1 long shot) this offseason

For three consecutive seasons from 2022-2024, the Pirates have locked a player up with an extension, adding up to a total expenditure of around $253.75 million. That money was distributed out to Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds, and Mitch Keller. Although Bob Nutting has not exactly used his money towards boosting the team through free agency, he has financially built this team through extensions.

There is a strong chance that he makes it four seasons in a row by handing out another extension in 2025. The Pirates have multiple players that are deserving of long-term contracts, and Pittsburgh can get ahead of the curve by taking care of it this spring. Let's take a look at two players on the Pirates that could realistically sign a contract extension this spring, and a long shot that may be tough to lock up (but would go a long way towards restoring the faith of the fans).

These two Pirates are realistic extension candidates, while this young star is a long shot.

Jared Jones

In his rookie season, Jared Jones impressed everyone and emerged as one of the best arms in the organization. He dealt with a few injuries, but undeniably had a very great first year in the majors. He has the tools to be more than just a run-of-the-mill All-Star, which is why the Pirates should try to extend him sooner rather than later, before the righty gets too expensive.

Last year, Jones posted an earned run average of 4.14 with a FIP of 4.00 across 121.2 innings and struck out 132 batters. Opponents batted .230 against him and he walked hitters at a 7.7% rate to generate a WHIP of 1.19. Those numbers were excellent for a rookie, and could be so much better down the road, which is ultimately why the Pirates should get the money out of the way now. Rather than, you know ... trade him and devastate the city.

Oneil Cruz

After missing nearly all of 2023 with an injury to his leg, Oneil Cruz returned in 2024 and became one of the top hitters on the Pirates. He changed positions last season, moving to center field. At the time, the move felt jarring, but the Pirates have a very limited future in the outfield throughout their farm system. For that reason alone, the Pirates should consider signing Cruz to be their second long-term piece in the outfield alongside Reynolds.

In 2024, Cruz belted 21 home runs, 34 doubles, and three triples to generate a .449 slugging percentage. That paired with an on-base percentage of .324 to create an OPS of .773. Additionally, he put together a wRC+ of 110 and an fWAR of 3.5. Cruz is a major piece of the Pirates' 2025 team and could be around for much longer. Securing the second-best hitter on the team long-term would be very wise for this club.

Extending Paul Skenes is a long shot for the Pirates, as both sides know he is way out of Pittsburgh's price range.

Skenes and the Pirates both know that there is a strong possibility that he eventually becomes one of the highest paid pitchers in the league. The Pirates' largest extension ever given out was to Reynolds, totaling $106.75 million. The most they have given to a free agent was $39 million for three years to Fransisco Liriano.

If Skenes continues to dominate like he did in his rookie season, he could make over $400 million on the open market. The Pirates cannot approach that total when he hits free agency, so if they can extend him before he gets a full season under his belt, then they could possibly hold onto him a little bit longer. That will be exceptionally difficult, given that all parties know his value. Pitching remains volatile, though. Perhaps Skenes would value a bit of security and insurance on his electric right arm.

In Skenes' Rookie of the Year-winning season, he went 11-3 with an earned run average of 1.96 and a WHIP of 0.95 while striking out 170 batters. Opponents batted just .197 against him and he produced a FIP of 2.44.

These three should be the players the Pirates eye to sign long-term. Jones and Cruz seem a bit more realistic, while Skenes is a long shot given Pittsburgh's financial room. They are currently on a three-season streak of extending players, though, and 2025 could mark four.