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3 outside-the-box outfield trade targets the Pirates should pursue this offseason

The Pirates need an outfielder, and these three names could be underrated options to pursue.

By Noah Wright|
Sep 9, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) breaks his bat while swinging at a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Sep 9, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) breaks his bat while swinging at a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Brandon Marsh

Brandon Marsh was formerly a top prospect in the Los Angeles Angels’ system. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2022 trade deadline for another high-profile youngster in backstop Logan O’Hoppe. However, the Phillies may look to move the outfielder this winter to open the door for top prospect Justin Crawford, giving the Pirates another opportunity to acquire a solid corner outfield option. Dave Dombrowski hasn't made a blockbuster trade in a while. He's getting antsy.

Marsh hit .249/.328/.419 with a .326 wOBA and 108 wRC+ across 476 plate appearances last season. He provided above-average power with 16 home runs, a .170 isolated slugging percentage, and a solid walk rate of 10.5%. Marsh, however, struggles with strikeouts, and K’d at a 32.4% rate last year. His career K% is 32.8%.

On the plus side, Marsh didn’t over-perform his peripheral indicators, and certainly has some room for improvement. He had a .240 xBA, .417 xSLG%, and .328 xwOBA. Marsh hits the ball exceptionally hard; his 91.6 MPH exit velocity placed him in the top 14% of all batters. He also wrapped 2024 with a quality 10% barrel rate (68th percentile).

Marsh is a strong outfield defender. Since the start of the 2023 season, he has +7 defensive runs saved and +5 outs above average. Marsh’s jump is above average, with his route-running ability clocking in around average. Marsh is in the 75th percentile of arm strength, and the 74th percentile of sprint speed.

The only downside to Marsh is that he would need a platoon partner. This past season, Marsh had a 120 wRC+ against right-handed pitching, but a meager 56 wRC+ against lefties. However, he had a much more playable 96 wRC+ when facing same-handed pitching in 2023. It's possible that 2024 was simply a disastrous blip.

Either way, he’d be an upgrade over Suwinski if the Pirates opt to go with a platoon-focused route. Like Sánchez, Marsh comes with three more seasons of control remaining and is estimated to make just $3 million in arbitration.

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