3 unsigned Pirates free agents who could still return for the 2025 season

The Pirates were, once upon a time, anticipated to make a handful of moves this offseason, but things have instead been quiet, to say the least, outside of acquiring Spencer Horwitz and bringing back Andrew McCutchen. There is still a lot to accomplish on their offseason wishlist, and there has only been one credible rumor lately pointing towards anything significant happening in Pittsburgh.

There has not been a lot of noise in free agency for the Pirates, but that also applies to the markets for some of the free agents that they lost after the season. A few have signed, but there are still three out there that would make sense for the Pirates to circle back around to in order to fill some areas of need. Let's take a look at three Pirates free agents that could re-sign with Pittsburgh and are still available.

These three Pirates free agents could still return in 2025.

Jalen Beeks, Left-Handed Pitcher

There is no doubt that the Pirates need to add at least one left-handed reliever this offseason. Joey Wentz is the only southpaw in the bullpen, and he cannot be relied upon in high-leverage situations. One arm that they could bring back came over at the MLB Trade Deadline, and was decent in his half-season in Pittsburgh. He was solid in Colorado (before getting dealt) in a high-leverage role as well, so getting his arm back in the mix would make sense for the Pirates.

Last season with both teams, Beeks posted an earned run average of 4.50 with a FIP of 3.75 across 70 innings, striking out 55 batters. Opponents batted .273 against him, and he walked hitters at a 8.7% clip to generate a WHIP of 1.49. Those are not necessarily dominant numbers, but he is a cheap one-year type of player that could make a positive impact. They need left-handers, so a familiar face could be realistic. Obviously, they thought enough of him to surrender talent for him once already. Why not spend money to re-up the engagement?

Yasmani Grandal, Catcher

There are four catchers on the 40-man roster at the moment, but MLB insider Robert Murray previously reported that the Pirates were involved in the catching market. There is reason to believe that a reunion makes sense with Grandal, as he was the personal catcher for Paul Skenes last season and had a monster second half.

With the Pirates in 2024, Grandal belted nine home runs and 10 doubles to generate a slugging percentage of .400. That paired with an on-base percentage of .304 to generate an OPS of .704. Additionally, Grandal put together a wRC+ of 95 and struck out at a solid rate of 18.9%. A cheap one-year deal seems very possible to bring him back to Pittsburgh.

Ryan Borucki, Left-Handed Pitcher

Another free agent the Pirates could bring back to fill in their lack of left-handed relief is Ryan Borucki, who was a specialist against left-handed bats in 2023, but dealt with injuries all season in 2024. He struggled when he was healthy, but he is an arm who is very capable of contributing in a positive way to the Pirates.

When healthy in 2023, Borucki delivered an earned run average of 2.45 in 40.1 innings and generated a WHIP of 0.74. Opponents batted just .181 against him and his walk rate was just 2.6%. He struck out 33 batters, along with producing a FIP of 3.50. If he is healthy, the Pirates should look to bring him back in 2025.

Bringing back some familiar faces might not be the worst idea, as the Pirates have not been linked to many other names. The clock is ticking to spring training, and Pittsburgh must add some players before pitchers and catchers report.