5 older free agents the Pirates should sign this offseason

Bringing in an older free agent might be a good idea.

Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Japan pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against United States during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Japan pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against United States during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
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Donovan Solano

The lone position player on today's list, Donovan Solano, hasn't had a bad season with the bat since 2019. At his worst, he's still remained a roughly league-average hitter, posting at least a 99 wRC+ with a batting average no lower than .280 since returning to Major League Baseball. 2024 was more of the same for the veteran infielder.

Solano took 309 plate appearances for the San Diego Padres while batting to a .286/.343/.417 triple-slash. The veteran infielder only had a 7.1% walk rate but struck out at an above-average 21% rate. Solano has never hit for much power, but he had a career-high eight homers and a .131 isolated slugging percentage. This all culminated in a .333 wOBA and 118 wRC+.

Defensively, Solano is a playable, albeit unimpressive, corner infield defender. He had zero defensive runs saved, but -3 outs above average in 418.1 innings between third base and first base in 2024. Solano has experience up the middle, but hasn't played the keystone regularly since 2021 and hasn't played shortstop semi-frequently since 2019.

Solano had yet another decent season, but had some worrying signs are under the hood. His 87.3 MPH exit velocity and 3.7% barrel rate were both career-worsts. His .310 xwOBA, .388 xSLG%, and .259 xBA are also the worst marks he has ever put up in any season of 300+ plate appearances. Solano is also entering his age-37 season.

Solano has some red flags, but his track record speaks for itself. Solano had to settle for a minor-league contract last season, and he was coming off arguably a better season with the Minnesota Twins. Solano will likely have to settle for a similar contract this offseason, and if that happens to be the case, he could provide a decent part-time option for the Pirates on the infield corners.

Schedule