Pirates Named Dark Horse Contender to Poach Rival Free Agents

The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering a crucial offseason, following a year that saw them finish with a record of 82-80.

While the Pirates didn't make the playoffs, this team took a step forward in terms of overall development. The future is very bright for Pittsburgh, with a young core in place for the foreseeable future.

But as the offseason gets started, the willingness of the front office to spend will be a massive talking point. Pittsburgh needs to add more talent to this roster this winter, and the front office will have pressure on it to spend.

MLB insider Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report mentioned the Pirates as a dark horse candidate to go after both the Cubs' free-agent outfielders this winter. Both Suzuki and Happ could help solve some of the issues that plagued the Pirates this past season.

Pittsburgh has continued to be linked with Suzuki entering the offseason, but whether the front office wants to spend remains to be seen. The Pirates could use Suzuki's bat in the lineup, especially with his ability to mash against left-handed hitting.

Over his MLB career, Suzuki has hit .279 with 29 home runs and 99 RBIs in 776 plate appearances against left-handers. This is exactly the type of production that the Pirates could use in the lineup, helping to address one of the bigger problems from this past year.

Suzuki's price tag could exceed where the Pirates are comfortable going over, but his presence may be what this team needs. Last season, Suzuki hit .270 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .841 for the Cubs.

Happ may be more in price range for the Pirates this offseason, with him being projected to receive a short-term deal. The veteran has made an All-Star team over his career, while also winning four Gold Glove Awards in left field.

Last season, Happ had a down year offensively, hitting .218 with 24 home runs and 68 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .783. But over his career, Happ has been a solid power-hitter, which could help Pittsburgh get the offense going again next year.

This issue with Happ is that he has struggled against left-handed pitching over his career. Overall, the veteran has hit 230 with 36 homers and 136 RBIs in 1,262 plate appearances against lefties.

Pittsburgh likely would want someone else to come into the mix, with Suzuki being the more favorable of the two Cubs players. But the Pirates will need to be ready to open the checkbooks if they want to land players who can make a difference going forward for the team.