Pirates can’t afford to pretend this player is an everyday lineup solution in 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates are significantly improved over where they were last season, but with a bar so low that no one should be throwing any parades just because they cleared it. Ryan O'Hearn and Brandon Lowe can't be their only veteran additions to the lineup.

While the NL Central is in a weird spot, the Chicago Cubs have shown recently that they're not going to fade into the background. Edward Cabrera and now Alex Bregman arriving in Chicago make them formidable. The Milwaukee Brewers are still the Brewers, as well, making up a clear first tier.

The Pirates might not be predicted to be in the cellar anymore, but even with their additions, it's unclear if they've leapfrogged the Cincinnati Reds, let alone ascended into the division's upper echelon.

To his credit, it seems that Ben Cherington understands this. He more or less said so on a recent MLB Network Radio appearance, but the comments also came with a tinge of optimism for Jared Triolo that just seems misguided.

Ben Cherington and the Pirates have to be realistic about Jared Triolo's role in 2026

According to Cherington, Pittsburgh would like to add another starter, another reliever, and at least one more position player before the winter is through. Sounds like a solid plan.

Cherington mentioned the left side of the infield as a place that could use an upgrade. He's not wrong there, either, but it's at that point that things start going a bit off the rails as he begins heaping praise on Triolo.

"We've got Triolo, who took a step forward, and we have a lot of confidence in Tri whether it's at short, or third, or in a multi-position role," Cherington said.

Triolo plays Gold Glove defense, which certainly has value. But his bat, even with a step forward, still leaves a lot to be desired. In 2025, he posted a .227/.311/.356 line. That was good for an 86 wRC+, significantly better than his 72 mark from 2024, but still fourteen percent worse than a league-average hitter.

If the Pirates had a stronger offense around him, you could live with this sort of glove-first option. Unfortunately, guys like O'Hearn and Lowe are more high-end complementary pieces rather than true offensive engines. The absence of a true superstar means that Pittsburgh's lineup will need to be deep in order to be successful.

That doesn't leave room for a guy like Triolo––who, entering his age-28 season, has more or less reached his ceiling––to play every day. A multi-positional role, as Cherington described it, would certainly fit his skillset better.

Options for upgrades are getting thin, but a play for Eugenio Suarez would make a lot of sense. The 34-year-old slugger might not be an offensive centerpiece either, but his power is unmatched in the market and adding him would give the lineup the necessary length to be taken seriously. It would also push Triolo into a super-utility role more fitting of his skills.

Only time will tell if the Pirates actually pursue the path of bringing in help from the outside at third base––or if they're trying to pump up the incumbent, hoping that fans won't notice the warts.