4 available players ready for Pirates' taking after 2025 Winter Meetings

The Pittsburgh Pirates walked out of the Winter Meetings with the lefty reliever they desperately needed in Gregory Soto, but a few question marks still remain. For a franchise that keeps talking about “taking the next step” and “supporting the young core,” it sure felt like they left the baseball world’s biggest shopping event holding a half-empty bag.

No one expected them to actually win the Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso sweepstakes. Pirates fans aren’t delusional — we know the difference between realism and fantasy. But there is a middle ground between signing a franchise megastar and doing… well, nothing to improve the offense. And the beautiful part? That middle ground is still available. In free agency. Right now.

Here are a few of the still-unsigned players who remain available to help the Pirates upgrade their offense for 2026.

4 available players ready for Pirates' taking after 2025 Winter Meetings

PS ... pour one out for the Mike Yastrzemski fit.

If the Pirates are serious about stabilizing their outfield — and not simply throwing Jhostynxon García into the deep end and hoping he'll swim — then Mike Yastrzemski was the definition of the type of player they should be chasing. He brings plus plate discipline, above-average defense, hard contact and a history of thriving in pitcher-friendly parks. Unfortunately, he signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Braves on Wednesday night. Who's next?

Ryan O'Hearn (1B/DH)

Ryan O’Hearn in PNC Park feels like cheating. The guy hits the ball hard and in the air — two things that translate beautifully into that inviting right-center power alley.

O’Hearn gives the Pirates some much-needed lefty thump, a proven track record of punishing right-handed pitching and a first base/DH combo option that protects Pittsburgh from relying solely on Spencer Horwitz. He isn’t a five-win player, but O'Hearn is exactly the type of 1.5–2 WAR bat who wins teams games in July when the stars are scuffling.

Eugenio Suárez (3B)

Even in his “down years,” Eugenio Suárez still hits for power and plays solid third-base defense. Right now, the Pirates need both of those things more than oxygen.

The Pirates currently have zero proven corner infield power and a lineup that consistently ranks near the bottom of MLB in homers. Even a 25-homer, 105 OPS+ version of Suárez would be a dramatic upgrade. And, critically, he gives the team insulation if Jared Triolo doesn't pan out as an everyday third baseman.

Adolis García (OF)

We're starting to dream bigger here, but not insanely bigger. Even coming off a down 2025 season, Adolis García brings 40-homer power, elite arm strength, positive defensive metrics, playoff experience and the type of swagger you simply can’t teach.

García is the type of bat who instantly transforms the offense from “frisky and young” to “legitimately scary.” He's a guy fans buy tickets to see, a guy pitchers fear, and a guy who changes expectations overnight.

Andrew McCutchen (DH)

Yes, this one is emotional. But it's also practical. Andrew McCutchen can still hit lefties. He still gets on base. He still takes great at-bats late in games. But more than that, he is the leader, the culture guy and the living, breathing connection between 2013 joy and 2026 hope.

For a young team trying to compete, there is no mentor more valuable than McCutchen. He’s not a ceremonial signing — he’s a winning signing.

The Pirates aren’t one bat away from a World Series, but they are one bat away from being a legitimate threat in the NL Central. And they walked out of the Winter Meetings with none.

But that can still change.

An additional outfielder (yes, like Yastrzemski) stabilizes you. O’Hearn balances you. Suárez lengthens you. García transforms you. McCutchen leads you. If the Pirates want 2026 to be the season where the “young core” becomes the “winning core,” then it’s time to act.

Your move, Ben Cherington.