Top 3 goals the Pirates should set heading into the Winter Meetings

Add some power

The Pirates' offense last year was bad, and that's putting it nicely. They ranked in the bottom five in OPS, wOBA, and wRC+, with the seventh-fewest runs scored. With the sort of starting rotation the Pirates have, not giving themselves a fighting chance with the lineup represented another big wasted opportunity last season. So far, the Pirates haven't directly improved their lineup this offseason. Sure, firing Andy Haines and bringing in Matt Hague should be a big help, but obviously, more needs to be done.

The easiest way to improve a lineup's run productivity is to add power. That's another area the Pirates struggled in. Their .137 isolated slugging percentage was the fifth lowest in baseball, while their slugging percentage was the fourth worst. The team, as a whole, had just 160 home runs, which was the sixth fewest among all 30 teams.

The Pirates need at least one corner outfielder and a first baseman. Those are two positions where you can find power bats with ease. The free agent market has some decent options. Carlos Santana, Joc Pederson, Max Kepler, Michael Conforto, and Randal Grichuk represent some realistic options. If the Pirates want to get totally serious and bold, Christian Walker or Anthony Santander should be their top options.

The trade market should also house plenty of options for a slugger. The first base trade market should be plenty active, with the likes of Alec Bohm, Ryan Mountcastle, Josh Naylor, and Yandy Diaz as players who could be moved either during the Winter Meetings or later on during the offseason. 

Trading some of the young pitchers for power bats should be a top priority during this Winter Meetings. The Pirates have the pieces to make impactful trades. Now is the time to do so, because the foundation is in place. It's time to build upon that foundation and put some power into the lineup.