4 different avenues the Pirates could take to fill first base in free agency

The Pirates currently have a glaring hole at first base, especially after non-tendering Connor Joe. After a poor showing from first base in 2024, Ben Cherington needs to find a more productive approach towards upgrading that position.

There are multiple ways Pittsburgh's front office could aproach first base in free agency. Guys like Christian Walker and Pete Alonso are out of the Pirates' price range, though, so they need to be more creative with choosing the correct path.

Which route should the Pirates go down to pick their first baseman for 2025?

Platoon Option

Last season, the Pirates rolled with a platoon at first base, and that did not turn out well. Joe and Rowdy Tellez obviously were unsuccessful in tandem, but still, there could be a way that the platoon strategy returns in 2025. The market for a platoon isn't great, but with the tight cost of money, this roughly average duo could be a choice.

The right-handed stick in this possible platoon would be former Mariner Ty France. He had a bit of a down year in 2024, but was previously an above-average hitter for four consecutive seasons. A rebound in 2025 is very possible, especially when given work exclusively against left-handed pitching.

Last year against lefties, France had a limited number of at-bats, but had decent numbers that could improve with more specialized chances. His batting average sat at .231 with three home runs and a wRC+ of 97. His strikeout rate sat at 22.4% and his walk rate was at 9.7%.

On the other side of the platoon would be Gavin Sheets, a recently non-tendered first baseman from the White Sox. He has not exactly been a great overall, but like France, being in a primary platoon could help him break out.

Previously in 2024 against right-handed pitching, Sheets was slightly below average, but could be solid in a limited role. His OPS sat at .680 with eight home runs and 32 runs driven in. His strikeout rate sat at 20.3%, his walk rate was 9.3%, and he added a wRC+ of 94.

There are certainly better options at first base, but this platoon is definitely a realistic possibility that would not be the worst route for the Pirates to go. If both halves could be league-average and focused, this would be a competent choice.

Pirates Reunion

Another possible route would be to reunite with former All-Star slugging first baseman Josh Bell. The switch-hitting power bat is coming off an average year at the plate that was saved by a great second half, but nonetheless, would be an upgrade to what the Pirates had in 2024.

With two teams in 2024, Bell put together a batting average of .249 with 19 home runs, driving in 71. His OPS was at .725, along with a wRC+ of 101. Additionally, his strikeout rate was at just 19.9% and his walk rate was at 8.5%.

His batting run value reached an above-average level at eight, along with his above-average square up rate of 27.2%. Bell's walk and strikeout rates also sat above the league's average.

Reuniting with Bell is definitely a first base option. His bat is an improvement from what the Pirates had in 2024, but his cost may be a little pricey, as he was previously making over $16 million. For his level of production, that would too much, so ideally he'd be willing to drop closer to the Pirates' market as he looks to bounce back.

Best Realistic Bat for the Pirates

The best realistic bat in this year's free agent class would be Donovan Solano. The veteran is coming off one of his best seasons with the Padres and has hit free agency during a time when San Diego is preoccupied with other things. Although he is more of utility infielder, Solano has been a solid first baseman in his time at the position.

Last season, Solano broke out with a .286 batting average, belting eight homers and driving in 35 runs. His OPS was solid at .760, along with his wRC+ of 118 and a strikeout percentage of 21%. His Statcast numbers are nothing great, but his launch angle sweet spot percentage was excellent at 37%.

In his first season at first base in 2022, Solano saved five defensive runs (DRS), collected four outs above average (OAA), and posted a fielding run value (FRV) of three. Unfortunately, those totals had regressed by 2024 at first base, when his DRS was at zero, his OAA was at -2, and the FRV was -1. Still, that would suffice in Pittsburgh.

Solano would be a very solid signing for the Pirates and is a very plausible option. His contract would be cheap as well, as he made just a $1 million last year. He definitely represents an avenue Cherington should examine.

Best Overall Fit for Pirates

The best possible option for the Pirates would involve offense and defense at a reasonable price, which this veteran has, posting an fWAR of 3.0 in 2024. The most realistic and best fit for Pittsburgh is former Pirate Carlos Santana, the 2024 Gold Glove winner.

His award came from a great year at first base, including a FRV of 11, which ranked in the 93rd percentile. His OAA was also 14; that ranked in the 97th percentile. He posted eight DRS as well, completing a trifecta of positive defensive assessments. Those defensive numbers are oustanding, which would help greatly with the Pirates' already dominant pitching.

On top of that, his offensive numbers are still very excellent, despite being 38 years old. Last season at the plate, Santana posted an OPS of .749 with 23 home runs, driving in 71. His wRC+ sat at 116, along with his great strikeout percentage of 16.7% and walk rate of 10.9%. He squares up balls at a solid 28.3% rate and limits chasing bad pitches (23.4% chase rate).

Santana proved he's still got some gas left in the tank and is a perfect match for the Pirates. He should be the number one target at first base through free agency, as he is the best fit.