Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Best First Base Free Agent Targets

A Look at the five best potential first base free agents for the Pirates.

Aug 11, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Brandon Belt (13) runs the
Aug 11, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Brandon Belt (13) runs the | Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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The Pittsburgh Pirates need help at first base, and these five free agents may be their best options on the free agent market

First base has been an issue for the Pittsburgh Pirates for decades now. The last Pirates’ first baseman with consecutive seasons with +2.0 fWAR or more was Jason Thompson back in 1982 and 1983. The position has been a carousel of players over the last two-plus decades, and that carousel continues to spin into 2024.

But the Pirates might be able to put a stop, or at least slow down the carousel this off-season. Their current first base duo if the season were to start tomorrow would be an Alfonso Rivas/Connor Joe platoon. There are far worse platoons out there, but this certainly isn’t the most confidence inspiring platoon either. 

Because of that, the Pirates will need to explore the market to look for a first base option for 2024. While this free agent class isn’t nearly as deep as some years, there are still some decent options to be had.

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