3 division rivals Pirates could sign this offseason to improve 2025 roster

As the Pittsburgh Pirates get ready to go into full offseason mode, general manager Ben Cherington will (hopefully) be looking for ways to improve the club's underperforming roster.

Cherington has already indicated that he doesn't plan to weaponize free agency heavily this offseason (that would involve spending money, after all). But if he miraculously experiences a change of heart, he won't need to look beyond the National League Central Division for some viable free-agent candidates the Pirates could sign in order to add value to their 2025 roster.

Before we dive in, a quick reminder on semantics: the word "could" is not an indicator of probability. But if you're a seasoned Pirates fan, you probably know that by now.

3 division rivals Pirates could sign this offseason to improve 2025 roster

Devin Williams (RHP, Milwaukee Brewers)

It's no secret that the Pirates need bullpen help, especially after closer David Bednar's disastrous second-half collapse in 2024. Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams has been one of the best relievers in the big leagues since his first full season in 2020, posting a career 27-10 record with a 1.83 ERA and 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings. The right-hander is also just one season removed from a 36-save campaign in 2023. Williams was 1-0 with a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 innings pitched in 2024, but he missed most of the year with a fractured back.

Milwaukee has a $10.5 million club option for Williams in 2025, which it will almost certainly pick up; even if the Brewers don't plan to keep him, they would be wise to opt for a sign-and-trade rather than letting him walk for nothing. That's a hefty price tag by Pirates standards, but with Aroldis Chapman's $10 million contract presumably off the books for next season, it would be a very worthy gamble.

Cody Bellinger (1B/OF, Chicago Cubs)

In his ranking of the Top 45 MLB free agents for 2024-25 for The Athletic, former MLB GM Jim Bowden called the Pirates a "best fit" for Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger. Pittsburgh desperately needs bats, and while Bellinger is coming off a "down" season by his standards, his .266/.325/.426 slash line, 18 home runs and 78 RBI in 2024 would provide an instant boost to the Pirates' lineup.

If Bellinger chooses to exercise his player opt-out, he would certainly be a fit for the Pirates. The Pirates, however, would probably not be a fit for him, as there is virtually no scenario in which Pittsburgh would pay him more than the $27.5 million he is currently owed in 2025. It would be nice to have a former National League MVP in Pittsburgh, but we'll file this one under "pipe dreams."

Willy Adames (SS, Milwaukee Brewers)

The Pirates have an opening at shortstop after moving Oneil Cruz to center field, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa hardly seems like a long-term solution. Brewers shortstop Willy Adames is a solid fielder who is coming off a strong offensive season in which he set career highs with 32 home runs and 112 RBI.

Adames, coming off a one-year, $12.25 million contract with the Brewers, will be the top shortstop available this winter and is due for a big payday. While the Pirates could definitely use him, they will almost certainly balk at his asking price – even though many other teams likely won't even blink at it.

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