Determining what Ben Cherington should do with every Pirates free agent

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a disappointing 2024 season. Their record finished at just 76-86, plopping them in last place in the National League Central. A big part of their struggles in 2024 was their free agent class, all of whom were signed to one-year deals.

Two of the signed free agents were designated for assignment and released two days before the season ended, but there are still five other pending free agents the Pirates will have to make decisions on. Let's examine who the Pirates should re-sign or let go in free agency.

Which free agents should the Pirates re-sign or let go entering 2025?

Aroldis Chapman, Left-Handed Reliever

During the second half of the 2024 season, Aroldis Chapman was the Pirates' most reliable reliever, and even earned the closer role. That consistency Chapman displayed late in the year was in stark contrast to his first half, which should give Pittsburgh pause when considering whether or not to bring him back for 2025.

For the price of $10.5 million, the Pirates got a veteran southpaw that topped 105 miles per hour. Although it was exciting when he found the strike zone, Chapman walked batters at a 14.7% rate and, along with an opposing batting average of .196, produced an unsightly WHIP of 1.35. For a consistent reliever, that is way too high.

During the first half, his walk percentage was at 20.3%, but did fall down to 6.5% in the second half. For a team looking to return to the playoffs, they cannot rely on an inconsistent reliever that has the highest salary on the team.

Along with his wild control, Chapman also posted an earned run average of 3.79 with a FIP of 3.04 in 61.2 innings pitched. He also struck out 98 batters, along with having 14 saves and 22 holds.

Although he was elite in the second half of 2024, if the Pirates want a reunion with Chapman, his salary will need to come down. Given the tight pockets the Pittsburgh organization operates with, committing to an inconsistent reliever for over $10 million is not the direction Ben Cherington should be taking.