Pirates Should Trade For Two-Time All-Star to Bolster Offense This Winter

The Pittsburgh Pirates fell short in their quest to get to the playoffs in 2026, finishing the year with a record of 82-80.

But while Pittsburgh failed to make the postseason, this past season was a successful one for the organization. After multiple years of being toward the bottom of the standings, the Pirates finally took a jump, being much more competitive this season.

The Pirates didn't get eliminated from playoff contention until late in the season, with the team fighting until the end. So, as the team heads into the offseason, this could end up being an important winter for the franchise.

Pittsburgh has historically not spent a lot of money in free agency or on massive trades, limiting what the team can do on the field. But this offseason, the Pirates must go against the grain to add to the roster, giving them a better chance to win going forward.

This team has a nice core in place, but they need a little more help to get over the top. This coming offseason could be a make-or-break winter for this franchise.

One name that could make a lot of sense for the team is two-time All-Star Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros. Paredes has been on the trade block since last offseason, and the Pirates already showed interest in him previously.

Houston may be looking to make some big changes this offseason, starting with a move for Paredes. Pittsburgh should look to bring him to town, adding in his bat to this lineup for next season.

This past year, Paredes slashed .262/.447/.807 with 25 home runs and 94 RBIs, playing in 155 games for the Astros. Paredes could help solve one of the bigger problems that the Pirates had this past season; hitting against left-handed pitchers.

Historically, Paredes has hit .266 with 24 home runs and 95 RBIs against lefties, while posting an OPS of .798. If the Pirates could add this type of hitter to the lineup, it could easily help deal with this issue in 2027.

Paredes has a $13.35 million club option for 2027, but the Astros are expected to pick this up. The team could then trade him, making sure to get something in return for the multi-time All-Star.

Overall, Paredes seems like a strong move for the Pirates to make, especially given his contract and the production on the field. Pittsburgh needs to make sure to add this offseason, and this could be one way to help them break the long playoff drought next season.