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Pirates’ proposed third base solution could repeat one of their biggest 2026 mistakes

They don't need another defensive liability at the hot corner.
ByAbigail Miskowiec
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Sep 30, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Alec Bohm (28) sits in the dugout after a win against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Alec Bohm (28) sits in the dugout after a win against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For the past several years, third base has been a tricky spot for the Pirates. First, Ke’Bryan Hayes provided sterling defense that was undercut by his lackluster back. Now, Nick Gonzales has drastically improved his offensive output but is a liability in the field. Pittsburgh will likely look to shore up the hot corner this offseason, but the front office needs to protect itself from continuing this lopsided approach.

One of the possible targets for the Pirates would be Alec Bohm. The free agent is coming off a down year (.249 average, .698 OPS), but he can still be counted on to provide some thump as evidenced by his 88 RBIs last season.

Bohm’s dismal defense, though, would put the Pirates right back in the same situation. He posted a -9 Fielding Run Value (FRV) in 2026, placing him in the 4th percentile of MLB players, alongside -11 Outs Above Average (OAA).

Bohm's overall range and high error totals have kept him graded as a negative defender by most analytical models. Pittsburgh has to avoid the temptation to sign Bohm as an easy fix.

Pirates can't repeat the mistakes of the past by signing a one-sided third baseman like Alec Bohm

The need for a quality third baseman will only get more dire if the Pirates fail to re-sign Brandon Lowe. In that case, Gonzales will slide over to second base, which will then force a combination of Nick Yorke, Jared Triolo, and Jacob Gonzalez (and perhaps others) to man third base. This would be a significant downgrade.

A free agent signing would be the best course forward. Top prospect Murf Gray will likely be ready to make his big-league debut and take over third base for the foreseeable future. A one-year deal for a player hoping to bounce back and win a longer, more lucrative contract would be a perfect fit for both parties.

Unfortunately, the free agent class this year is exceptionally weak. Eugenio Suárez tops the third base options, but he should be avoided at all costs. The Reds took a risk on him last season, and while he slugged .433, he was put on waivers due to his poor performance.

Edmundo Sosa can play decent defense and hit for average, but he isn’t an everyday player. Beyond those options and Bohm, the rest of the field isn’t very impressive.

It’s better for the Pirates to go with the known quantity with re-signing Lowe and playing Gonzales at third than to take a risk on a one-dimensional player.

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