Pirates have perfect outfield platoon in front of them (but must convince 1 player)

One of the holes still looming in the Pirates lineup is in right field after non-tendering two of their existing options. They did save a bit of money by acquiring Spencer Horwitz at first base instead of a free agent, which allows them to spend more on outfielders.

Of course, that means the hard part is just beginning: actually acquiring those outfielders. The Pirates have already missed out on a few players that made sense to sign, but there are still plenty of options still available.

A strategy that may postively benefit them is a platoon with two veterans with postseason experience. Those two are Jesse Winker and Randal Grichuk, who are both coming off their best seasons in years.

Both players' one-year deals from last season combined to add up to $5.25 million, which would be very much in the Pirates' price range. That total is likely to increase after both players had productive seasons, but it still won't rise to the point that Pittsburgh could not afford them both. A duo of these two would greatly benefit the Pirates, if they utilized both players to their abilities.

Pirates should consider this platoon duo of Jesse Winker and Randal Grichuk.

Getting Winker specifically to play against right-handed pitching would work out perfectly for the Pirates. As it sits right now, the Pirates are projected to only have only five players in the big leagues that can swing from the left side of the box (three left-handed sticks, two switch hitters). Adding him would fill an big hole on the roster against right-handed pitching.

Last season against righties, Winker delivered an OPS of .788 with a wRC+ of 124 and struck out at a 19.3% clip. He also belted 13 home runs and 17 doubles. Those numbers would boost the Pirates' lineup against right-handed pitching, but his poor numbers against left-handers signal that someone like Grichuk should be signed along with him.

Grichuk was mainly used against left-handed pitching in Arizona and did very well, but his outstanding showing may have other teams looking at him as an everyday starter. If he is willing to stay in that platoon role, then the Pirates should be all over the veteran.

Last season against southpaws, Grichuk put together an outstanding OPS of .913, which came from an on-base percentage of .386 and a slugging percentage of .528. That slugging was built from six home runs and 14 doubles. He also batted .319, put up a wRC+ of 151, and struck out just 15.2% of the time.

A platoon of these two veterans is a solid approach for Pittsburgh to pursue this offseason. Grichuk might be hard to pick up due to this limited role, but if they can convince him, he would be a much-needed addition that can hit left-handed pitching effectively. To avoid him facing right-handed pitching, adding Winker into the mix would also be wise. There are plenty of options to choose from this offseason, but this one would be solid.