Pittsburgh Pirates Mailbag: November 5, 2018

Oh, it’s time….it’s time….it’s, mailbag time!

What will the team do with Pablo Reyes? Will they be active in free agency? And more in this week’s Pittsburgh Pirates mailbag.

As always, thank you to everyone who submitted questions this week and participated. Now, let’s dive in!

Pablo Reyes burst onto the scene in a big way this past September for the Pirates. He was a good hitter, he had sneaky pop, and was a strong defender at multiple positions. While Reyes still has plenty to prove at the MLB level, it is safe to say he will open the 2019 season as the Pirates’ super utility man.

For obvious reasons we’ll tackle these two together.

It was talked about extensively last offseason that the Pirates were the lone team to not sign a Major League free agent. It would be stunning to see that happen again this offseason.

First off, the team has a major hole at shortstop and needs help in the outfield. Secondly, they’re also in a position to try and compete for the postseason in 2019. Last year at this time they were not. That also adds incentive to be aggressing in free agency.

As for realistic targets, well, we have covered some here on the site. Jose Iglesias, Freddy Galvis, and Asdrubal Cabrera make sense for infield help. Gerardo Parra or Jon Jay could make sense for right field until Gregory Polanco returns, and then transitioning into a fourth outfielder role. And Justin Wilson and Tony Sipp could be targets to add another lefty to the bullpen.

A reunion with Jordy Mercer is certainly a possibility as well.

Upgrading over Ivan Nova this offseason would make sense regardless if it’s a right or left-handed pitcher. That said, Dallas Keuchel and Patrick Corbin are two guys that will be out of the Pirate price range. Especially Corbin who may be the most sought after starting pitcher on the market. If the Pirates pursue a lefty starter in free agency Derek Holland or a reclamation project like Drew Pomeranz are more likely targets.

Do not expect an Andrew McCutchen return this offseason. After struggling for much of 2016, the past two seasons he has returned to producing at a level that will make him highly sought after in free agency.

Also, the team remains set in the outfield with Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte, and Polanco. It’s just a matter of waiting for Polanco to return in mid-to-late May. So, spending the money it would require to sign someone like McCutchen would not make much sense.

As much as any Pirate fan, myself included, would love a reunion with Cutch it’s not going to happen this offseason.

That will do it for this week. If you have a question or the mailbag at any point this offseason look for our Tweet asking for questions each week.