Pick up a bat or two
Of course, this has been the demand for much of the 2024 season. Bryan Reynolds has been carrying the team, leading Pirates starters in most major offensive categories. The rest of the outfield has been woefully underproductive; both Jack Suwinski and Michael A. Taylor have an OPS below .600.
The infield hasn’t been much better. The two best regulars, Rowdy Tellez and Oneil Cruz, are streaky and defensive liabilities. Andrew McCutchen has been serviceable at DH, but his contract expires at the end of the season. The team needs help.
Luckily, pretty much any type of player could fit in well here. The Pirates are second-worst in the National League in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging. Several of the names that floated around the Pirates in the lead-up to the trade deadline could be revisited.
Jesse Winker, for example, is going to be available. His time with the Mets hasn’t been the spark the team has needed. He’s hitting .282, but his power and patience haven’t come into play yet. That could be enough for Winker to explore greener pastures. If the Pirates go for a bigger splash, Tyler O’Neill will be available. PNC Park plays better for lefties, so Winker may be the better and cheaper option here.