Pirates' free agent spending spree might include a familiar reunion

There is a ton of anticipation around the Pirates' offseason plans, and multiple MLB insiders are labeling them as spenders this offseason. Jeff Passan linked them to multiple names, including interest in Kyle Schwarber and a planned contract offer for Josh Naylor. More recently, Robert Murray stated on Foul Territory that they are going to be in the market for meaningful offense. He labeled Ryan O'Hearn as a more realistic fit than Schwarber, and then added a reunion opportunity with Tommy Pham to the docket.

Murray also added that they had a great experience with Pham during his one-year stint with Pittsburgh, and that any addition wouldn't represent the last of their moves this offseason.

Bringing Pham back isn't the worst idea in the world, but it surely isn't the most impactful use of money in a pivotal offseason. Pham had an average season, posting a .700 OPS with a 94 wRC+ and 10 home runs. His defense was approximate to the Gold Glove tier. His production wasn't necessarily the problem; it was that prominent role he played in the offseason, rather than representing a complementary piece like he should've. He shouldn't have been the second-best bat the Pirates brought in last year.

Pair him with the addition of a guy like O'Hearn and another above average free agent and he looks a lot better in rounding out the roster. His voice in a young dugout was very important last year, and if there was anything Pham was known for in Pittsburgh, it was his leadership. His intensity, honesty, and accountability are at a level unlike what other players bring.

MLB insider suggests a reunion opportunity between the Pirates and Tommy Pham.

If the Pirates do bring back Pham, the outfield room would look almost identical to what it was in 2025. With Pham likely to return, Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are locked in, and Jack Suwinski was just shockingly re-signed. This issue is none of the four posted a wRC+ above the league average of 100. That is a major problem, and if they want to live up to all the hype they're getting this offseason, something about that has got to change.

Cruz and Reynolds undoubtedly should be in the lineup everyday. If Andrew McCutchen doesn't return, Reynolds could slide into the designated hitter role, opening the door to adding another legitimate outfielder. Given the free agent class this year, they could add a guy like Austin Hays or Mike Yastrzemski alongside Pham. If they are serious about contending in 2026, they must not let Pham be their only outfield addition.

Bringing Pham back wouldn't be a bad move, but it just cannot be the only move. Pittsburgh needs Pham to round out the roster and be the fourth outfielder, not as an everyday starter or one of the top four bats in the lineup.