Pirates emerge as potential landing spot for overlooked three-time batting champ

The Pittsburgh Pirates' biggest need this offseason is power-hitting threats, but when you employ an offense that ranked last in runs scored (583) and second-last in wRC+ (82) in 2025, you'll take upgrades wherever and however you can get them.

On the surface, Luis Arraez doesn't really fit what the Bucs are seeking, as a middling defensive player who has hit just 12 home runs combined over the past two seasons.

However, he's still posted a 106 wRC+ since the start of 2024, and his 104 mark this past season would have ranked second on the team behind Spencer Horwitz. Considering he's got a career 117 wRC+, it's not unreasonable to bet on a bounce-back campaign from the three-time batting champion.

As such, Jim Bowden of The Athletic foresees a potential partnership between the old-school Arraez and the offensively-shallow Pirates, listing them as the second-best destination for the infielder as his incumbent San Diego Padres.

Pirates, Luis Arraez aren't perfect for each other, but the partnership makes sense in free agency

Winner of three consecutive batting titles from 2022-24, Arraez fell short of that goal this year, though he did lead the National League in hits for the second straight season. His contact skills are simply unmatched in the modern game, which may or not be a good thing.

Still, the 3.1% strikeout rate he posted in 2025 is exceptionally enticing. And he worked a 131 wRC+ between 2022-23. The track record is there, even if there are massive holes in his game.

Speaking of, Arraez provides little defensive value beyond being simply capable of playing the right side of the infield, having recorded -3 career Defensive Runs Saved between first and second base.

As such, he could effectively platoon with a number of players on the roster if he's willing to take on a lesser role (his wRC+ versus righties is 36 points higher than versus lefties). Is that a role befitting of a three-time batting champion, though? Especially on a team as bereft of offensive talent on the Pirates?

No matter how they'd have to do it, signing Arraez wouldn't be the worst consolation prize in the world after the team missed out on Jorge Polanco, Josh Naylor, and Kyle Schwarber in free agency. Those three players all offered far more thump at the plate, but Arraez is an on-base machine who can set the table at the top of the lineup.

At a projected price tag of about $10-12 million annually over one or two years, he shouldn't break the bank even for a team as cost-conscious as Pittsburgh. Signing Arraez certainly can't be the only major move the team makes to upgrade its lineup, but he (and Jhostynxon Garcia) would be a fine start.