Rum Bunter
FanSided

Pittsburgh Pirates: What’s Next at Second Base

By Marty Leap

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Rodolfo Castro #14 of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 17, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Rodolfo Castro #14 of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 17, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 02: Brandon Drury #17 of the San Diego Padres homers during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 2, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The Padres defeated the Dodgers 7-1. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 02: Brandon Drury #17 of the San Diego Padres homers during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 2, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The Padres defeated the Dodgers 7-1. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Potential free agent targets

It is unlikely that the Pittsburgh Pirates go the free agent route at second base. More than likely, they will want to see what Castro or Marcano can do with an extended look at the position. That said, if they were to look for free agent help at the position who could they target?

Brandon Drury could be one potential option. Especially since Drury can play all over the diamond, adding to the value he would bring to the Pirates. Last season was a career year for Drury as he smashed 28 home runs while posting a 123 wRC+.

Switch-hitting veteran Cesar Hernandez could be a target as well. A potential buy low bounce back candidate, Hernandez hit for just a .248/.311/.318 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 79 last season. Outside of 2013 and 2014 when Hernandez had just 256 combined PAs, 2022 was the worst season of his career.

What about a reunion with Josh Harrison? The ex-Pirate is coming off a very J-Hay like season. While playing plus defense at multiple positions, Harrison hit for a .256/.317/.370 slash line with a 98 wRC+ last season. Like Drury, Harrison’s ability to play multiple positions could increase his value with the Bucs.

Again, it appears unlikely the Pirates will go this route due to the young internal options they have that they will likely want to see with extended playing time. But, if Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton are not sold on any of the internal options and decide to look to free agency these could be potential targets.

Home/Pirates News