4 Pirates who might not survive 2026 arbitration costs

After another disappointing finish at the bottom of the National League Central, the Pittsburgh Pirates have nine arbitration-eligible players this offseason. Before next month's non-tender deadline, the team must decide whether they want to tender contracts to those players or let them walk in free agency.

MLB Trade Rumors this week released their projected arbitration salaries for all eligible players in 2026, based on each player’s playing time, position, role and performance statistics while accounting for inflation. Based on these projections, four Pirates in particular stand out as likely candidates to get non-tendered (especially by a lower-budget team like Pittsburgh).

4 Pirates who might not survive 2026 arbitration costs

Joey Bart

Joey Bart's expected arbitration raise is steep, from $1.8 million in 2025 to $2.7 million in 2026. If the Pirates project him to regress or remain average, that is a lot to pay – especially when they already have three other catchers who are likely to be on their 40-man roster next season.

Since the Pirates have lower-cost alternatives in Henry Davis, Endy Rodríguez and Rafael Flores, they might prefer reallocating the money elsewhere. Plus, since both Rodríguez and Flores can also play first base, they can provide Pittsburgh with additional roster flexibility by removing the need to carry a designated backup catcher.

Yohan Ramirez

As a first-time eligible reliever, Yohan Ramirez has a less-than-established MLB track record. Projecting future success, therefore, is even riskier.

Relievers are especially volatile, and the Pirates might view a $1.2 million arbitration raise as too much risk for a reliever who posted a 5.40 ERA through 33 1/3 innings last season. For a cost-conscious club like Pittsburgh, shedding a marginal arbitration‐eligible reliever can be a way to preserve flexibility.

Colin Holderman

Holderman is projected to earn $1.7 million via arbitration in 2026 (up from $1.5 million in 2025), but his recent numbers have been spotty. In 2025, he struggled to a 7.01 ERA over 25 2/3 innings, which weakens the case that he is worth a full arbitration award.

Pittsburgh may believe younger arms or cost-controlled relievers could step up, reducing the need to overpay a marginal reliever. With Holderman, the risk simply isn't worth the guaranteed arbitration expense.

Jack Suwinski

At a projected $1.7 million in his first season of arbitration eligibility, Jack Suwinski should provide the Pirates with meaningful contributions – something he hasn't even come close to doing consistently since 2023.

Suwinski showed power potential early in his career, and the Pirates have given him chances in the last two seasons to prove that his offensive upside justifies a salary raise. He hasn't taken those chances, though, and this team can ill afford to pay $1.7 million to a career .199 hitter who hit just .147 last year.