Ben Cherington should target player he loved a decade ago as Pirates' options dwindle

This offseason has been full of rumors for the Pirates, but the organization has struggled to turn words into actual moves. Pittsburgh has yet to add a player to a major league roster, despite being linked to so many top-tier possibilities. One position that they have heavily targeted is third base, after dealing Ke'Bryan Hayes at the trade deadline.

If the trend continues of "being in" on players such as Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto, but not actually signing them, Ben Cherington will need to figure out a short-term addition instead.

Even if the Pirates do land one of the big Japanese corner infielders, Yoan Moncada is a player who still might fit the roster. Despite dealing with injuries in his career and playing just half of the games in 2025, Moncada could be a productive addition. Last season, he posted a wRC+ of 117 with 12 home runs and a .783 OPS. Unfortunately, he is one of the worst defenders in baseball at the hot corner.

To get that bat in the lineup, while also keeping him healthy, Pittsburgh could DH him. That would not only improve the production in the DH spot after Andrew McCutchen's step back in 2025, but would also provide more versatility from that spot. McCutchen rarely played the field. Even if Moncada isn't a great defender, at least they'd have an option there if someone needs a day off from the field.

While this isn't a splash like Jorge Polanco would have been, it is still something that wouldn't be a bad pickup. Adding Moncada also does not prevent bringing in another splash at third base.

Pirates should consider bringing in Yoan Moncada, who actually is a player Ben Cherington used to love.

If the bat alone didn't make the fit more likely, then the ties between Moncada and Cherington should. Back in 2015, Cherington thought the world of the 19-year-old prospect out of Cuba and committed $63M to him. He debuted with Boston in 2016, but was later shipped to the White Sox in the blockbuster Chris Sale trade. Cherington didn't make that trade, though, as he'd joined the Blue Jays following the 2016 season.

With a history of trust in Moncada, Cherington has the opportunity to bring him to Pittsburgh for the next step of his career. Cherington does have a tendency to bring in former players that he drafted and signed with other organizations. A Moncada signing could continue that trend, and would greatly improve this offense. The Pirates have yet to do anything major for their offense, and Moncada would be a great start.