The Pirates could still add to their lineup and bullpen before starting the season in South Florida against the Marlins.
Only a handful of days remain before the Pittsburgh Pirates hold their first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers.
The Pirates have not signed a free agent to a multi-year deal since Ivan Nova re-signed in 2016. Ben Cherington has spent roughly $15 million on free agents, including $4 million on outfielder Tommy Pham.
The Bucs still have time to make additions, but time is running out before Opening Day on March 27 in Miami.
Which free agents could the Pirates still target?
Jose Iglesias
I’m not confident the Pirates have a good enough answer at shortstop. Oneil Cruz transitioned to center field during the final month of the season and left a hole at the sport’s most important defensive position. Isaiah Kiner-Falefa is the likely candidate to take over, but is better suited for a super-utility role.
Jose Iglesias only played half the season in 2024 but became a key contributor for the New York Mets. In 85 games, Iglesias hit .337 with a .830 OPS, four home runs, and 26 RBIs. His 3.1 WAR would have ranked 2nd behind Cruz (3.5) for all qualified batters. A reliable hitter who puts the ball in play and consistent defense, Iglesias could bat leadoff and solidify a strong defensive left side of the infield with Ke’Bryan Hayes. He could also slide to third base if Hayes’ injuries linger into this year. It’s not a flashy signing or one that delivers massive power production, but adding the 35-year-old Iglesias can impact multiple areas of the Pirates.
Kenley Jansen
The Pirates made a splash last offseason when they signed lefty flamethrower Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal. Chapman experienced an up-and-down season in Pittsburgh, throwing as high as 104 mph, but losing control and walking 39 batters in 61.2 innings. The star reliever signed in Boston and won’t return to the Bucs. Why not sign a star reliever from Boston to join the ‘pen?
Former LA Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen earned a 3.29 ERA, 1.061 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts in 52.2 innings with the Red Sox last year and clinched an All-Star nod in 2023. Jansen totaled 27 saves but remains available on the free-agent market. Jansen led the league in saves twice (41 both times) and owns 447 career saves. He would serve as great insurance for David Bednar, who lost the closer role after a 3-8 record, -0.9 WAR, 5.77 ERA, and 1.42 WHIP. Bednar, Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Dennis Santana all come with question marks. The Pirates should bolster their bullpen and bring Jansen to Bradenton and Pittsburgh.
Alex Verdugo
Despite Tommy Pham signing a one-year, $4 million contract this week, an offensive hole remains in the middle of the lineup. Alex Verdugo, 29, brings a power threat to attack the Clemente Wall and lengthen the order. Verdugo tied his career-high 13 homers for the third time with the Yankees and drove in 61 over 149 games.
Verdugo slashed .233/.291/.356 with a concerning .657 OPS, a career low mark. His OPS finished as low as .732 and as high as .844 in the last five years. PNC Park isn’t the most hitter-friendly field and there is a risk Verdugo doesn’t pan out. It’s a worthy investment on a one-year, $5 million deal as a prove-it season for the lefty batter. It’s a name Pirates fans are familiar with and a logical option to share time with Pham as a platoon in right.
The Pirates need to surround Paul Skenes with impactful players to maximize their window with a force who could become an all-time great player, similar to how the San Antonio Spurs traded for assets to play with star Victor Wembanyama. Iglesias, Jansen, and Verdugo are veterans who can help accelerate the process in 2025.