Pirates Linked to World Champion Relief Pitcher This Offseason

The Pittsburgh Pirates finished the 2026 season with a record of 82-80, showing fight throughout the year.

While this wasn't enough for the team to break its long playoff drought, the Pirates do have a lot of hope for the future. Pittsburgh has a solid young core in place, with multiple players showing growth in development last season.

This could mean that 2027 is the target for the playoff drought to end, with the Pirates looking toward the future. Pittsburgh's front office will have to address some holes along the roster this offseason, however, putting the team in a better place for success.

As the offseason moves forward, one area of concern for the Pirates to address comes from the bullpen. Pittsburgh's relief pitchers showed some signs of life last season, but this is one part of the roster that should be upgraded this offseason.

MLB analyst Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors linked Pittsburgh to left-hander JoJo Romero, who just won a World Series title with the Milwaukee Brewers. Romero could be a solid pickup for the team, with a contract projection of two years, $13 million, this offseason.

Pittsburgh knows Romero very well from his time not only with the Brewers, but the St. Louis Cardinals. Romero has been in the NL Central since 2022, with the left-hander having a lot of experience.

This could help him if signed by the Pirates, giving both sides more to work with going forward. Romero would bring veteran experience to the bullpen, which is something that the Pirates need for next season.

Splitting time between the Cardinals and Brewers last season, Romero posted a 3.36 ERA over 55 appearances. But in the playoffs, Romero was lights-out for Milwaukee, helping them win the World Series.

Romero threw eight innings in the playoffs, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out 11 batters. The left-hander was a key piece for Milwaukee, and he is exactly the type of pitcher that Pittsburgh could use.

Over his career, Romero has been a strong piece for whatever bullpen he has been a part of, and the Pirates should take advantage. Adding a player like this could change the relief system for Pittsburgh, especially if his contract does come in at around $13 million.

Pittsburgh has to address the bullpen this offseason, and Romero could be one of the better options that doesn't completely break the bank for this team.