4 former Pirates who could end up back in Pittsburgh via free agency for 2026

Historically, Pittsburgh hasn’t been the biggest draw for free agents, and there’s no reason to think that will suddenly change this offseason. However, the Pirates have been able to win back former players as they enter the twilight of their career. Adam Frazier, for example, saw a second stint with the Bucs in 2025, and Andrew McCutchen proudly touts his love of the city and the organization. A handful of former Pirates, including Frazier and McCutchen, could be on Pittsburgh’s free agent wish list this winter.

The Pirates’ primary needs are offense and relief pitching. Luckily, there are several familiar names on offer in both categories. If Pittsburgh fails to re-sign McCutchen as a DH, the Pirates could make a run at Josh Bell. Spotrac puts Bell’s market value at $11 million, but if he is limited primarily to DH instead of playing first base, he could fall into the Pirates’ price range. Bell consistently makes loud contact and displayed a better plate approach in 2025. If the Pirates were to sign him, it would signal to fans that the team is serious about providing their excellent starters with some run support.

The Pirates could reunite with several former players via free agency this winter.

If the Pirates want to go the budget route, they could give Miguel Andújar another look. Andujar, who helped push the rival Reds to the playoffs this season, spent nine games with Pittsburgh in 2022, but now that he has found his role as a platoon outfielder against left-handed pitching, he may be worth another look. The Pirates had the worst slugging percentage against southpaws in the majors. Andujar could help turn that trend around.

On the pitching front, the Pirates could turn back the clock more than a decade and bring in Justin Wilson. The lefty appeared in more than a third of the Red Sox games in 2025 and proved that he’s still got it, even at the age of 38. Wilson was absolutely lights-out against lefties, holding opponents to a .574 OPS. Considering the only left-handed pitchers on the Pirates’ 40-man roster are Hunter Barco and Evan Sisk, Wilson would fill a need in the bullpen.

By the same logic, the Pirates could revisit a player that never actually saw playing time but did float through the system last season: Taylor Rogers. Pittsburgh flipped the lefty reliever from the Reds to the Cubs at the trade deadline. Perhaps it’s time to finally see him in a Pirates uniform.