Pirates Warned Against Making Potential Offseason Mistake

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a pivotal offseason ahead after finishing with an 82-80 record in the 2026 season. The Pirates were within six games of a National League Wild Card spot. 

Pittsburgh's 11-year playoff drought hangs over them, but they have some quality talent on the roster. If the Pirates have a strong offseason, they could make it into the postseason in the 2027 season.

However, they need to avoid an ill-advised signing that limits their flexibility to upgrade the roster in the future. One player that Sports Illustrated urged Pittsburgh not to sign in free agency is second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. 

Chisholm is a two-time All-Star, but had a down year in the 2026 season with the New York Yankees. He slashed .231/.312/.399 with 19 home runs, 16 doubles, 41 stolen bases, 55 RBIs, and a .711 OPS.

The 28-year-old has the versatility to play in the outfield or at third base as well, but the Pirates should avoid signing him. 

Pittsburgh has another second baseman they should prioritize in free agency, as Brandon Lowe will be a free agent. The Pirates acquired Lowe ahead of the 2026 season, and he was their best hitter, slashing .260/.331/.493 with 35 home runs, 29 doubles, 96 RBIs, 94 runs, and an .824 OPS.

Lowe has proven to be a quality power bat in Pittsburgh's lineup, and signing him to a new deal makes more sense for the Pirates than pursuing Chisholm.

Chisholm could emerge as an option for Pittsburgh if they fail to re-sign Lowe, due to their previous interest in him at the 2024 trade deadline. 

Across his seven-year career, Chisholm is slashing .245/.315/.444 with 127 home runs, 95 doubles, 19 triples, 171 stolen bases, 363 RBIs, 385 runs, and a .759 OPS. He is a solid hitter, but would be pricey to acquire, when it makes more sense to lock up Lowe on a new deal.

Aside from addressing the second base position, the Pirates need to add more to their lineup. They have a great young piece at shortstop in Konnor Griffin, who showed flashes as a rookie, slashing .272/.324/.404 with six home runs, 15 doubles, four triples, 23 stolen bases, 33 RBIs, 43 runs, and a .728 OPS.

Pittsburgh needs to continue adding pieces to the lineup around Griffin, but Chisholm should not be one of those targets for the Pirates to make the jump to a playoff team in 2027.