Pirates Get $108M Update on Rumored Offseason Target

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare for a big offseason, there are real questions about how the front office will operate.

Given that the team finished the season with a record of 82-80, many are expecting Pittsburgh to add to the roster. But historically, the Pirates have shied away from spending, putting out one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.

Adding to the fact that there is a likely lockout coming to baseball, the entire offseason plan remains a major question for the Pirates. But if the front office wants to put the team into a good spot to break the long playoff drought next year, adding to the team makes sense.

Pittsburgh needs more outfield help, while also bringing in a bat that can address some of the problems with hitting left-handed pitchers. And there is one free agent on the market who can provide both of these aspects to the Pirates going forward.

This would be free agent outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who has played for the Chicago Cubs over the last few years. Suzuki has been a name commonly associated with the Pirates, even if the team may not spend to land him.

As the offseason gets going, Suzuki has been given a new contract projection from MLB insider Tim Britton of The Athletic. The Cubs slugger is projected to receive a deal in the four-year, $108 million range this offseason.

Even with Suzuki being 32, this seems about accurate of a contract for a player of his caliber. Suzuki could be just what the Pirates have been missing, adding more firepower to the Pittsburgh lineup.

Last season with the Cubs, Suzuki hit. 270 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .841. Suzuki has been a consistent presence in the Cubs lineup over the years, and he has historically mashed against left-handed pitching.

Over his career, Suzuki has hit .279 with 29 home runs and 99 RBIs over 776 plate appearances. This is exactly the type of production that Pittsburgh was missing a year ago, and he could shore up one of the outfield spots.

Suzuki may force the Pirates to spend a little, but his presence on the roster could be huge for next season, providing some stability to the lineup. If the Pirates truly want to make the playoffs next year, adding a player like this could be worth it.