All-Star free agent's dead market makes him Pirates' most logical outfield target

The Pirates' hole in right field continues to stick out as report day for spring training inches its way closer. There have been a handful of rumors surrounding corner outfielders Alex Verdugo and Randall Grichuk, but nothing has transpired just yet. Those two have been linked to other teams this offseason, which makes it seem tougher for the Pirates to pull through in what will likely be ensuing bidding wars.

For that reason, Pittsburgh should venture to another player who is a former All-Star and has not been named in rumors yet this offseason. That is Austin Hays, who is coming off a poor season and is looking to bounce back in 2025.

Pittsburgh often signs players to one-year deals who are trying to rebound before landing the multi-year contract of their dream. That's exactly what Hays is projected to get after his difficult 2024 season, so it is a big surprise that there has been no reported interest from any parties. Given Hays' history, including his 2023 All-Star season, the Pirates should take advantage of his dead market to add competition to their right field mix.

Since no teams are pursuing Austin Hays, the Pirates should jump in and target him to fill their hole in the outfield.

Last season, Hays battled injuries and was traded from Baltimore to Philadelphia near midseason. He finished with a wRC+ of 98, an OPS of .699, and an fWAR of 0.2. That's not great, but the Pirates would be hoping for a return to his '23 form.

In that 2023 season, Hays belted 16 home runs, 36 doubles, and two triples to generate a slugging percentage of .444. That paired with an on-base percentage of .325 to create an OPS of .769. Additionally he produced a wRC+ of 112 and drove in 67 runs.

Those numbers would fit in very well in the Pirates lineup, and it is reasonable to believe that he can rebound in 2025. It is shocking to not see teams investing in such a player, and the Pirates should take advantage of that quiet market by going after him, just as Bleacher Report predicted they would. He would absolutely boost the outfield in Pittsburgh.