4 players who could take hometown (or home state) discount to sign with Pirates

The wealth of talent in the Pittsburgh area has produced many a professional baseball player. Only two free agents, relievers Randy Dobnak and Scott McGough, hail from Pittsburgh, but as the Pirates seek to control spending, the ability to play closer to home may be enough to sway some players who call the state of Pennsylvania home.

While the Mariners already signed Dobnak, whose underdog story (and impressive facial hair) won fans with Minnesota last season, Pittsburgh still has a shot at McGough, who grew up in Monroeville and played at Plum High School. In fact, the Pirates drafted McGough as a prep pitcher, but he elected to attend the University of Oregon. McGough is in the twilight of his career, having played just 13 big league games between the D-backs and Athletics in 2025. It’s likely the Bucs could pick up the right-hander on a minor-league deal for bullpen depth next season.

The Pirates may be able to sway the few Pennsylvanian free agents to sign a team-friendly deal.

The Pirates will have to look to the eastern side of the state for further options. One such player is quite familiar to the Pirates’ organization. Tim Mayza, who is from the Allentown area, played for both Pennsylvania clubs last season and could balance out the Pirates’ right-hand-heavy bullpen.

On the position player front, outfielder Chas McCormick, from West Chester, could be a strong option for a Pirates team that always seems to be in need of outfield help. His opposite-field swing, though, would be a liability with the looming Clemente Wall in right field. JJ Bleday, on the other hand, could be a better fit. The outfielder from Danville would be an improvement as a platoon option over the left-handed Jack Suwinski.

The most coveted Pittsburgh-area players remain locked up. Ian Happ, David Bednar, and Mason Miller, for example, are far beyond the Pirates reach (Happ and Bednar will become free agents next offseason, unless they come to terms on an extension).

Still, the handful of options currently available on the market could provide the depth the Pirates need at the budget Pittsburgh wants. A win-win for all involved.