Pittsburgh Pirates: Vital Offseason Ahead, Five Players to Target in Free Agency

Could pursuing these players in free agency help the Pittsburgh Pirates in their quest to compete for the postseason in 2024?

This offseaosn will be a vital one for general manager Ben Cherington and the Pittsburgh Pirates. It will be year five at the helm for Cherington and it will be time to attempt to compete. Adding these players in free agency could help the Pirates in their attempt to compete.

No. 1 Joey Gallo

Joey Gallo is a very versatile player. He is capable of playing outfield, first and third base, along with serving as a designated hitter (DH). His 2023 performance has been challenging due to a batting average of .176 in 106 games. His exceptional power and gold glove-worthy outfield ability remain intact. Acquiring him within the $5-10 million dollar range could represent a significant deal. His ability to play multiple positions could make a possible contract less risky, especially if he can make a successful comeback.

No. 2 Amed Rosario

Amed Rosario, who primarily plays shortstop has the ability to play in centerfield, left field, and second base. Although known for his contact-oriented style, he has encountered challenges in finding hits in 2023 with a batting average lower then .250, with a lack of walks it could pose issues with reaching base. As a utility player capable of contributing across various positions, he might not have strong interest from teams. If the Pirates can sign him he could be a significant addition to the lineup in events that there are injury problems again.

No. 3 Charlie Blackmon

Charlie Blackmon is an all-around player able to cover all outfield positions. At 37 years old, he's concluding his six-year, $113 million contract with Colorado Rockies and is unlikely to come to terms on a new contract due to them rebuilding. Over the course of 71 games this season, he has achieved a .288 batting average, tallying 7 home runs and 32 RBIs. While he hasn't matched his MVP-caliber performance in 2017, where he placed 5th, his potential to offer veteran leadership makes him a good player to sign.

Considering the possibility of signing him to an affordable contract, it could be well worth taking, even if it's just to bring in a veteran. This season, his exceptional plate discipline has been displayed, with 30 walks and 38 strikeouts in 71 games. I would endorse such a signing due to these promising factors.

No. 5 Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty, has declined since his 2018 and 2019 campaigns with the Cardinals, when he finished in the top 5 of Cy Young voting in 2019. While he has faced challenges over the past few seasons, he has been a consistent contributor for the Cardinals before his trade to the Baltimore Orioles at the 2023 deadline, where he was exchanged for Cesar Prieto, Zack Showalter, and Drew Rom.

Since the trade, Flaherty has experienced significant struggles, registering a 1-2 record with a 6.41 ERA and a FIP of 4.69 in 4 starts. While it's important to recognize that some of his struggles were a result of unfortunate circumstances, his control has been an issue. His career walk rate of 3.5 took a notable jump to 4.4 this season.

At just 27 years old, turning 28 soon, if he can rediscover his dominance, he has the potential to serve as a top-tier pitcher in any rotation. If his contract demands are reasonable, considering his age and upside, a long-term contract might be worth an investment.