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3 dream trades to complete Pirates' offseason ahead of spring training

The Pirates still have multiple holes to fill before Opening Day. These veterans would be significant upgrades to the current roster
ByEthan Fisher|
Oct 23, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning of game seven in the ALCS against the Houston Astros for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Oct 23, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning of game seven in the ALCS against the Houston Astros for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Pete Fairbanks

While the Pirates have added to the bullpen this winter (Ferguson and Mayza on MLB deals, plus a plethora of relievers with big league experience on minor-league pacts), they have yet to add a high-leverage arm to offset the loss of Aroldis Chapman. Given David Bednar's massive struggles in 2024, this seems like it should be a priority.

Fairbanks would increase both the ceiling and floor of the bullpen significantly. Since 2020, he's been one of the league's best relievers in terms of keeping the ball in the ballpark (0.6 HR/9), missing bats (32% strikeout rate), and overall run prevention (2.93 ERA, 2.73 FIP). He has 61 saves and 30 holds in that time, so he's accustomed to being available in different situations.

Injuries have hampered Fairbanks at times, and that was the case again in 2024. He dealt with a nerve issue in April that led to an IL stint, and a lat strain suffered in mid-August ultimately ended his season. Between those two injuries, he posted a 1.47 ERA across 36 appearances.

Despite his general effectiveness throughout most of the season, it's possible that those arm injuries bothered him all year. He saw significant dips in average fastball velocity (98.9 MPH in 2022-2023, 97.3 MPH in 2024) and strikeout rate (39.1% to 23.8%). Lingering arm soreness could have led to his average release point dropping three degrees from 2023, and as a result, his fastball was slower, flatter, and left in the middle of the plate more frequently.

Fairbanks has already had all of his arbitration seasons bought out by Tampa Bay. He's slated to make just under $3.7 million in 2025 and has a $7 million team option for 2026. Even for the Pirates, that's not an unreasonable amount of money to take on. The Rays conceivably could be willing to part with a veteran pitcher in exchange for an intriguing pitching prospect or two, as they seemingly develop pitching better than anyone else. That would be a worthwhile investment for the Pirates.

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