3 reasonable contracts we wish Pirates had signed this offseason

The Pirates have made a handful of moves this offseason, yet many fans believe that they have focused on the wrong ones. The problem of money has loomed over their maneuvers, as it has for as long as we can remember.

Seeing as money has been a consistent issue for the organization, they typically live in a market dominated by cheap, one-year deals for veterans looking to bounce back to land a longer deal. There have been a handful of those kind of players who've changed hands this season and would have made a strong impact on the Pirates. For whatever reason, Pittsburgh hasn't roped in nearly enough of these perfect fits.

It's hard not to wish the Pirates would've made these three reasonable additions this offseason.

3 contracts Pirates fans wish Pittsburgh signed this offseason

Max Kepler

Kepler would've been a big boost to the outfield for the one-year deal worth $10 million he signed with the Phillies. Given the production the lefty-swinging Kepler would've likely brought to Pittsburgh at that price, this deal would have been worth it. Last offseason, the Pirates brought in Aroldis Chapman for $10.5 million, so the contract would've been realistic for this front office.

Kepler has belted 161 career home runs, put together a wRC+ of 102, and has an fWAR of 18.6 over the course of his career. When healthy, he can give the type of 20+ homer seasons that the Pirates need in their lineup.

Austin Hays

Another affordable outfielder that recently signed was Austin Hays. He signed with a rival in Cincinnati for $5 million, which would've been even better for the Pirates in terms of money. Still, somehow, they were unable to work out a deal.

Hays has consistenly had a wRC+ near the league average, with a career 106 mark, to this point. He has some pop, with a career OPS of .745, but his power comes more from doubles than home runs. He was one of the best overall Pittsburgh fits in free agency in this class, and fans wish they could have this one back.

Hoby Milner

Sure, the Pirates have been able to add left-handers to the bullpen this offseason, but Hoby Milner would have been an under-the-radar addition that could have saved the bullpen that completely collapsed in 2024. The soft-tossing left-hander put together solid Statcast metrics and a has history of effectiveness, resulting in a steal of a contract at $2.5 million for 2025.

Milner tossed an xERA of 3.24 with an xFIP of 3.15 and walked opponents at a clip of just 5.2% last season. His command and solid expected numbers show that he can be a very productive arm in a bullpen, especially for a team that needs it in Pittsburgh. Instead, the sidewinder went to the Rangers. Frustrating.