Pirates Should Target Zach Neto to Bolster Offense For 2027

The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to take another step forward in terms of their overall development as a team in 2026.

While the Pirates didn't make the playoffs, multiple players across the roster showed growth, giving hope for the future. Pittsburgh came close to ending the long playoff drought this year, fighting down to the end of the season.

But as the offseason begins, all focus is set on the 2027 season as the year the drought will end. However, the Pirates' front office will have to address some of the bigger concerns on the roster before the start of the year.

Pittsburgh has typically stayed on the sidelines when it comes to free agency or bigger trades, but this offseason, that needs to change. The Pirates need to make sure to add more talent around the edges of the roster, giving the team a better chance to win.

One name that could make a lot of sense for the Pirates to consider going after is Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels. Neto has been involved in trade rumors all offseason, with the Angels trying to rebuild.

The 25-year-old has been one of the more underrated players in baseball over the last two years, with him getting better each season. Neto has typically played at shortstop in his career, but with Konnor Griffin there, he could move to second or third base if traded for.

With the Angeles last season, Neto hit .239 with 27 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases, while putting up an OPS of .766. The power numbers of Neto have increased each year, and playing alongside the other players in the Pirates lineup could see his numbers increase.

Pittsburgh would have Neto is under contract through the 2029 season, giving them a non-rental player. This team loves to have players like this, and he is young enough to build around the other guys in the clubhouse.

While it may cost the Pirates a lot to land Neto from the Angels, the impact that he would bring can't be overstated. Neto mashed against left-handed pitching this past season, which was an area that Pittsburgh struggled with heacvily.

Overall, the infielder hit .285 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 192 plate appearances against lefties. Putting this type of production into the lineup could be huge for the Pirates, and this is a trade target that Pittsburgh should be heavily going after this offseason.