Pirates should reopen trade talks with the Rays to fill first base hole

During the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly interested in Rays' first baseman, Yandy Diaz. Ultimately, the Pirates decided to attempt to improve other positions on the field instead of first base, and the results were far from optimal.

With the offseason approaching, the Pirates must address a glaring hole in the roster at first base. Connor Joe is incapable of being a starter and is someone the Pirates should look to move on from. Diaz is still an interesting candidate for the Pirates as they typically are not the buying type, but there are a few reasons that this specific deal will make sense for Pittsburgh.

Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz makes a lot of sense for the Pirates this offseason

Similarly to the Pirates, the Rays annually have a cheap payroll. When their players get too expensive, they sell them; and it normally works out in their favor, as they have been an above average team in six of the last seven seasons.

In 2025, Diaz is owed $10 million, making him one of three Rays making that much in 2025. In the 2024 season, the Rays did not have a single player making that much and now they enter the offseason with three. For this reason, it appears likely that Tampa Bay would prefer to unload his salary.

It's not an unrealistic trade either. The Rays were actively shopping Diaz at the MLB Trade Deadline, which could show signs of them reopening trade talks this offseason.

Diaz was an All Star in 2023, but he took a step back in 2024. In the 2023 season, Diaz had an OPS of .932 with 22 home runs and a wRC+ of 163. Each of these three went down in 2024 as it was an OPS of .755, 15 home runs, and a WRC+ of 120.

Diaz would have been the fourth best fWAR, of 1.9, on the Pirates in 2024, which would have been a major improvement from the Pirates first base duo of Tellez, -0.5, and Joe, 0.5.

Although it was a big dip in production, it was still an above average season, and the Pirates desperately need a first baseman that can put up those kind of numbers.

Overall, Diaz makes a lot of sense for the Pirates to target this offseason. The Rays are likely to want to dump his salary, along with reinforce their youth with more young talent. Diaz is the oldest player on Tampa Bay's roster. If the Rays are listening, GM Ben Cherington should definitely be the most active caller.

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