3 players in the 2024 World Series Pirates should eye in free agency

When either the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers are crowned World Series champions this year (hint: we think we know who it'll be), there will be a number of players on both sides who will have played for their respective teams for the final time.

With the Pittsburgh Pirates already in offseason mode, this year's World Series teams offer an abundance of pending free agents who could hit the market this winter and who may be realistic targets for the Pirates in 2025 (emphasis on realistic; sorry, but Juan Soto is not going to be a Pirate next year).

It goes without saying that the Pirates are in serious need of some bullpen help, so that's where we are going to focus this discussion. Let's take a look at three relief pitchers currently playing in the World Series who Pittsburgh should eye in free agency this offseason.

3 players in the 2024 World Series Pirates should eye in free agency

Clay Holmes, RHP (Yankees)

A reunion could make sense for the Pirates and right-hander Clay Holmes, who began his career in Pittsburgh after the club selected him in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Holmes played parts of four seasons for Pittsburgh until he was dealt to the Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline. He saw his ERA improve from 5.57 during his time with the Pirates to 2.69 during his time with the Yankees, but a second-half collapse in 2024 effectively ensured that he wouldn't be back in New York next year.

The Pirates are looking to build up their bullpen to close games down for their budding starting rotation. While Holmes' 13 blown saves this season could be cause for concern, it's not out of the question that he could return to form and benefit from a change of scenery.

Tim Hill, LHP (Yankees)

The Pirates need lefty relievers specifically, as the only southpaw in their bullpen currently under contract for next season is waiver pickup Joey Wentz. Yankees lefty Tim Hill presents an interesting case as a 34-year old currently on a bargain of a deal with New York (one year, $740,000).

Hill elected free agency after the 2023 season and signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox, who proceeded to release him in June of this year. The Yankees picked him up and added him to their bullpen, where he has posted an impressive 1.29 ERA through seven innings during the 2024 postseason.

Blake Treinen, RHP (Dodgers)

This is likely the least realistic of the options for Pittsburgh, but it's not Soto-level impossible. Right-hander Blake Treinen signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers in 2023 but missed the entire season with an injury, and the club picked up his option in 2024. He has a career 2.78 ERA, and he has bounced back nicely from shoulder surgery this year with a 1.93 ERA.

At age 36, Treinen could bring some necessary experience and stability to the Pirates' struggling bullpen in 2025. He might be a little pricey by Pirates standards, but he should still cost less per year than veteran lefty Aroldis Chapman did at $10 million.

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