Pirates GM Has Revealing Comments on Offseason Plans

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a big offseason upcoming, following a successful 2026 season for the organization.

While the Pirates didn't make the playoffs, the team did come close, being involved in the race until the last few weeks of the year. Pittsburgh ended the year with a record of 82-80, giving the team hope that a postseason spot could be had next season.

But for the Pirates to make this happen, the front office is going to have to address the few holes on the roster. Pittsburgh has typically not been willing to spend money on the open market, but this offseason, there could be a strong need for it to happen.

As the offseason moves forward, the biggest need for this team comes from the bullpen and bringing in another hitter. The starting rotation is fairly set, but Pittsburgh could always look to add another arm.

However, general manager Ben Cherington recently provided some interesting comments on the offseason plan. Cherington is excited about what the starting rotation can bring to the table next year, while also saying that the needs of the team aren't as specific as in the past.

"We're bullish on what the pitching group can accomplish," Cherington said. "We have a roster that's pretty solid. How do we upgrade it? This offseason, that's a little less specific to a single position and more where are the opportunities?"

The Pirates are close to finally ending the rebuild that has taken many years, but this team should be looking to add. Pittsburgh does have a solid core in place, but the organization can't simply rely on the young players to continue to take a step forward in development.

For the postseason drought to end, the Pirates should be looking to be aggressive, adding around the young core. Cherington's comments reflect that the Pirates may stay back to see how the market falls before the team makes any major moves.

Free agent Brandon Lowe is one of the bigger questions for this team, and the Pirates have to make sure that he stays. Lowe was huge for the team a year ago, and he has made it clear that he wants to come back.

If anything, Pittsburgh should bring Lowe back, while adding another bullpen arm or two to bolster the roster. This offseason is one of the more important in recent memory for this team, and it could see the organization finally get to the playoffs in 2027 if done right.