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With the offseason quickly approaching, the excitement around free agency is building up. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden has published an article in The Athletic (subscription required), talking about which free agents are potential fits for each team. Out of the 45 free agents he covered, he put the Pirates as a potential fit for six different players.
Let's take a look at these six players Bowden put as a potential fit for the Pirates and see if it really makes sense for Ben Cherington to target these players.
Jim Bowden links six players to Pirates in free agency
Cody Bellinger: Outfield
The first player is outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. Although he is not quite a free agent, there is a growing possibility of an opt-out approaching, which made Bowden mention him.
In 2024, Bellinger had a batting average of .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI. He also had an OPS of .751 and a wRC+ of 109. This was a down year from 2023, but he could opt out as he seeks a long term contract.
Michael Wacha: Right-handed pitcher
Similarly to Bellinger, Kansas City Royals pitcher is signed to a contract, but could become a free agent if he exervises his opt-out. He had a solid 2024 season, which increases the possibility that he would opt out in 2025 and test the free agent market.
Last season, Wacha posted an ERA of 3.35 in 166.2 innings pitched and struck out 145 batters. Opposing hitters had a batting average of .243 against him and he had a WHIP of 1.19.
Ha-Seong Kim: Shortstop
Ha-Seong Kim has a mutual option with the San Diego Padres, but Bowden believes that he will become a free agent and sign somewhere to prove that he is capable of playing like he did in 2023. He sustained an injury to his labrum in 2024, which ended his season early.
In 2024, Kim had a .230 batting average with 11 home runs and an OPS of .700. His wRC+ was barely above average at 101 and he had a walk percentage of 12.3%.
Carlos Estevez: Right-handed pitcher
One of the top relievers dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline was Carlos Estevez. He was just a rental and is now a free agent that Bowden thinks is a fit for the Pirates.
Last season, Estevez posted a 2.45 earned run average through 55 innings pitched and struck out 50 batters. Opponents batted .191 against him, along with a WHIP of .91 and a FIP of 3.24.
Luis Severino: Right-handed pitcher
Luis Severino signed just a one-year deal with the Mets and had an outstanding year. His health was a big question, but he proved himself in 2024.
In the 2024 season, Severino had just a 3.91 ERA in 182 innings pitched and had an decent WHIP of 1.24. He added 161 strikeouts and an opposing batting average of .241.
Jose Quintana: Left-handed pitcher
The last player Bowden put as a fit for the Pirates is Jose Quintana, the former Pittsburgh starter. Quintana finished his two year stint with the Mets with two solid years, proving he still has it.
Last season, Quintana posted an earned run average of 3.75 in 170.1 innings pitched and struck out 135 batters. His FIP wasn't great at 4.56, but his solid opposing batting average of .233 made up for it.
Which free agents would make most sense for the Pirates?
Getting superstars like this would be a significant upgrade, but with how the Pirates roster sits, even attempting to offer half of these players does not make sense for the organization.
The players that do not make sense for the Pirates are the starting pitchers. Wacha, Severino and Quintana are not necessary given the current state of the starting rotation in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates rarely make signings for players like Bellinger, but of course, he would instantly be one of the best players on the team. The price, though, is the only issue, and he is a major money commitment that Pittsburgh has proven to be incapable of funding.
Kim and Estevez are the only two on this list that are realistic and worth the money. Kim would help fill a big hole at shortstop, and Estevez would be a reliable high leverage reliever. The Pirates need another late inning arm with the uncertainty of who will stay in the Pittsburgh bullpen.
The Pirates have a very important offseason approaching. They need to make reinforcements to this team, and they could consider two of the players that Bowden named as fits to fill a few holes.
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