Could Pirates Steal NL Central Rival Star in Free Agency?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for what should be a big offseason for the franchise following a much better 2026 season.

While the Pirates didn't get into the playoffs, the team did see a jump in terms of overall success on the field. Pittsburgh finished the year with a record of 82-80, showing more fight from the group down the stretch of the season.

The Pirates weren't eliminated from playoff contention until late September, with the team trying to get into the dance. 2026 showed what this team could be going forward, and with a strong core of talent, 2027 could be the year for the long postseason drought to end.

But in order for that to happen, the Pirates' front office will have to add more talent to the roster this winter. Pittsburgh can't sit on its hands, hoping for just improved development from its young players.

While the Pirates haven't typically spent heavily in free agency, this team could look to add some players from the open market. One name that could make sense for Pittsburgh is a familiar player to this team, veteran outfielder Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs.

The Pirates have played a lot of games against Suzuki over the last few years, and he will now be entering free agency. Pittsburgh could add to its offense by signing Suzuki, but they would also weaken the Cubs in the process.

The outfielder hit .270 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .841 for Chicago this year. The Cubs could elect to bring him back, but there have been reports that he could be heading elsewhere this offseason.

Suzuki could provide this team with a big spark offensively, but he does something well that was a problem for the Pirates last season. This would be hitting left-handed pitchers, which is an area that Pittsburgh has to address this offseason.

Over his career, Suzuki has hit .279 with 29 home runs and 99 RBIs in 776 plate appearances against lefties. This is exactly the type of production that the Pirates need to deal with the problem, and Suzuki could fit in nicely alongside this group.

Most experts believe that Suzuki will get a deal around the three-years, $66 million range this offseason, which shouldn't break the bank for the Pirates. But Pittsburgh's front office is going to have to be open to spending money this offseason to improve the team.

If they do, the playoffs could be in the cards for the 2027 season. The Pirates have to start building toward the future, and spending some money to make it happen only makes sense.