Pirates Have Major Bullpen Questions To Address This Offseason

The Pittsburgh Pirates' front office will determine a lot for the organization this offseason, based on whether the team wants to spend or not.

After finishing the 2026 season with a record of 82-80, Pittsburgh will be coming into the offseason with a lot to answer. The Pirates have a strong core of talent on the roster, but this group needs a little more to get into the playoffs.

Pittsburgh believes that another year of development from its young stars can help as well, but the roster needs a little more talent. So, the front office will need to change how it's operated in the past, adding to this team.

One area of need comes from the bullpen, where the Pirates have to add at least another arm or two. Luckily for the Pirates, the closer spot could be taken for next season with the emergence of left-hander Mason Montgomery at the end of the year.

Montgomery posted a 2.88 ERA in 70 appearances, with the lefty recording 18 saves in the process. But the Pirates need a little more than just Montgomery going into next season.

The Pirates should see a bounce-back year from Luke Weaver, who the team traded for at the deadline. But if the team can add, it could go a long way for the 2027 season to be the one where the playoff drought ends.

Pittsburgh has been linked to a reunion with former star David Bednar, but at this point, it seems unlikely. The Pirates could be looking elsewhere for a high-leverage arm, and there are a few who may fit the bill.

One name that makes sense is left-hander Adrian Morejon of the San Diego Padres, who is coming off a nice year. The lefty posted a 2.83 ERA over 76 appearances last season, throwing 86 innings, striking out 107 batters in the process.

Morejon could command a strong contract on the open market, but he would be perfect in the Pirates bullpen. But the willingness of the Pirates' front office to spend could hold them back in this pursuit.

Either way, the Pirates have to add around Weaver and Montgomery, giving this team more depth and length within the relief system. The best teams in baseball have strong bullpen units, and this is something that has been proven to win come playoff time.

If the Pirates want to get into the playoffs next year, adding to this bullpen could be one of the more crucial parts of the offseason. And if the front office actually spends some money, the postseason could be a reality in 2027.