These two free agents would make a great outfield platoon for the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates should seriously consider adding an outfielder. Right field could be an issue. As things stand right now, they would likely platoon Jack Suwinski and Bryan De La Cruz. While both have had some success in the major leagues, even as recently as 2023, both are coming off rough 2024 seasons, and the Pirates would likely be better suited to seeking alternatives. They should creatively examine what is on the free agent market, and two free agent outfielders stand out as a potentially strong platoon duo.

The first is left-handed hitting Max Kepler. The long-time Minnesota Twins outfielder batted .253/.308/.380 with a .298 wOBA and 94 wRC+ last season. Kepler kept up a solid strikeout rate of 20.1%, but his walk rate took a huge dip to 5.5% this season. For reference, he had a walk rate of at least 10% in five of his previous six seasons. 

Still, he was very productive as recently as 2023, when he hit .260/.332/.484 with a .348 wOBA and a career-best 123 wRC+. Kepler provided plus power with 24 homers in 491 plate appearances and had an isolated slugging percentage of .224. He walked far more frequently as well, clocking in with a 9.2% BB%.

Pirates should platoon Max Kepler, Randal Grichuk to fill outfield vacancy

The other side of the platoon would be Randal Grichuk. Grichuk put up some very good numbers with the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, batting .291/.348/.528 with a .373 wOBA and 139 wRC+. Grichuk walked at a career-best 7.2% rate with a 16.5% K%. It was the first time he had a sub-20% K% in a season. Grichuk has always hit for power and went yard a dozen times with an isolated slugging percentage of .236.

Of note, Grichuk thrived in a mostly part-time role for the D-Backs. He had less than 300 plate appearances in 106 games played (279 PAs, to be exact). Grichuk only started 61 of the games he played in as well. It might not entirely be a coincidence that Grichuk put up great numbers while being a part-timer. 

Throughout their careers, Grichuk bats .274/.324/.509 while Kepler bats .243/.326/.452 when they face opposite-handed pitchers. When you combine their numbers when facing opposite-handed hurlers, you get a .253/.325/.471 triple-slash. That’s a productive duo that averages out with an OPS hovering around .800. 

They would also combine to make a very sound defensive duo. Kepler has +50 defensive runs saved and +55 outs above average throughout his career. Grichuk, meanwhile, has +11 DRS and +8 OAA. Both were around average when it came to average feet covered in their jump on fly balls this past year. Kepler and Grichuk have plenty of experience in center field as well, which could help Oneil Cruz (granted, with how well he did in his first taste of action up the middle, he may not need it).

You also get the positive of adding more outfield depth. This eliminates the need to carry a fourth outfielder on the active roster, especially given that Kepler and Grichuk can play all three outfield positions. It also gives the Pirates better options to play matchups, and might convince them to be more flexible in trades, as it could let them move Suwinski or De La Cruz in a larger package.

There would be a lot of benefits from adding both Kepler and Grichuk this offseason. Both should be reasonably affordable as well. It would be worth the Pirates’ time to sign both veteran outfielders if they don’t acquire one standout star among the crop of other free agents or trade candidates available.