Ex-MLB GM projects Pirates will sign pair of slugging free agents

The Pittsburgh Pirates typically aren't big players in free agency – they ranked 29th in the league in team payroll in 2024, and that's not expected to change anytime soon – but one former MLB executive thinks they could land not one, but two big-name bats on the free-agent market this offseason.

In a recent column in The Athletic predicting this offseason's signings, trades and more, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden made a rather bold prediction that the Pirates would sign two free-agent outfielders – Joc Pederson and Tyler O'Neill – to add some veteran offense to their lineup.

But is it realistic to expect that the Pirates will buck their trend of pinching pennies in free agency this offseason in order to sign even just one of these bats, much less both of them? To be clear, neither is going to demand Juan Soto-level money, but they still might be too pricey for Pittsburgh. Still, in appreciation of Bowden's optimism (and naiveté?), let's take a closer look at what these two pieces could add to the offense-hungry Pirates.

Jim Bowden predicts Pirates will sign Joc Pederson, Tyler O'Neill in free agency

Pederson is testing free agency for the second straight year after declining his mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2025. The addition of Pederson dramatically improved Arizona's offense in 2024, as he slashed .275/.393/.515 with 23 homers in 449 plate appearances. He has played first base and all three outfield positions in his career, but the Diamondbacks used him primarily as a designated hitter.

With Andrew McCutchen expected to re-sign in Pittsburgh and return to the DH role next season, Pederson's most likely fit in Pittsburgh would be in right field or at first base. He could potentially be used in a platoon role as well, given his impressive .844 career OPS against right-handed pitching (as opposed to a .630 mark against lefties).

Meanwhile, O'Neill is coming off of a 2024 campaign in which he slashed .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs and 61 RBI over 473 plate appearances for the Boston Red Sox. Last season marked the second time in his career that he smashed 30 homers.

After their attempt to add an impact bat through the deadline acquisition of Bryan De La Cruz failed miserably, the Pirates are catching plenty of well-deserved heat for the lack of power hitters in their lineup. Acquiring Pederson or O'Neill – much less both of them – may be nothing more than a pipe dream, but Bowden is right in that they would address a glaring area of need on this roster.

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