Pirates Urged to Trade for Power-Hitting Infielder

The Pittsburgh Pirates missed the playoffs for the 11th straight season in 2026, finishing 82-80. The Pirates improved their record from recent years, but still didn't have enough to end their postseason drought.

Heading into the offseason, Pittsburgh will need to add another bat or two to their lineup to take the next step and have a legitimate chance of making it into the playoffs. 

In a recent Bleacher Report article, Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes was named as a trade target for the Pirates. Paredes would make a ton of sense for Pittsburgh, whether they can re-sign Brandon Lowe or not.

In the 2026 season, Paredes was a key piece in the Astros lineup, slashing .262/.360/.447 with 25 home runs, 27 doubles, 94 RBIs, 69 runs, and an .806 OPS. He would instantly be one of the best power hitters in Pittsburgh's lineup and could start at third base.

Paredes has a $13.35 million club option for the 2027 season. If they exercise it, the Pirates could look to acquire him in a trade and make him their starting third baseman.

Pittsburgh should also look to re-sign Lowe, who was their best hitter in 2026. Lowe slashed .260/.331/.493 with 35 home runs, 29 doubles, 96 RBIs, 94 runs, and an .824 OPS. He is one of the best players on the free-agent market, but if the Pirates want to contend next season, they need to bring him back.

Re-signing Lowe and acquiring Paredes would solidify the infield and give them four quality batters in those spots. At shortstop, Pittsburgh has Konnor Griffin, who was solid in 80 games as a rookie, hitting .272/.324/.404 with six home runs, 15 doubles, four triples, 33 RBIs, 43 runs, 23 stolen bases, and a .728 OPS.

Griffin could take a leap next season and become one of the most important pieces in the lineup. At first base, the Pirates will have Ryan O'Hearn, who is entering his second season with the club.

O'Hearn appeared in 110 games in 2026, slashing .265/.330/.440 with 18 home runs, 17 doubles, 76 RBIs, 58 runs, and a .770 OPS. O'Hearn had a solid season, and he will look to add power to the lineup.

The Pirates should be buyers this offseason as they have a solid roster, and if they can re-sign Lowe and bring in Paredes, their lineup could be potent in their pursuit of a playoff berth.