The Pittsburgh Pirates are one-hitter away from being a true playoff contender, and they're reportedly interested in adding one of the top remaining free agents.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the most active teams in baseball over the winter, and they might not be done just yet.
Pittsburgh has already traded for Brandon Lowe and signed Ryan O’Hearn to strengthen its lineup, but GM Ben Cherington said last week they were still looking for more help on the left side of the infield.
There are still some intriguing options on the open market, including Eugenio Suarez, who Ken Rosenthal reported is on the Pirates’ radar with spring training rapidly approaching.
On Monday's episode of Foul Territory, the MLB insider said, “Pirates and Eugenio Suarez, is there a connection there? I certainly expect, and actually know, that the Pirates are interested in Eugenio Suarez.”
Suarez would be a perfect fit and would provide another much-needed power bat in Pittsburgh’s lineup. A year ago, the right-handed hitter slashed .228/.298/.526 with an OPS of .824, including a staggering 49 home runs.
Suarez would be a pretty safe signing for Pittsburgh, too. He’s hit at least 30 home runs in four of the last five seasons and owns a career .792 OPS.
Oct 17, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) hits a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the second inning during game five of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn ImagesEven though the Pirates want the power-hitting third baseman, that doesn’t mean they’re a lock to land the 2025 All-Star.
Rosenthal also noted, “The problem that [the Pirates are] gonna face is the problem they face with other free agents as well. If Eugenio Suarez has a choice to play for a better team, a more competitive team, in his opinion, he's going to choose that team… If Eugenio Suarez can go to Boston, if he can return to one of his former teams, Seattle or Arizona, that might be his preference.”
As much as the Pirates have improved over the last few months, they’re probably not a playoff contender just yet. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff is elite, we know that, but the lineup is one-hitter short of being a true threat.
Maybe someone takes a jump, such as Jared Triolo or Spencer Horwitz. But if the Pirates want another sure-fire, proven bat in their lineup, Suarez would fit that need, and Pittsburgh apparently has interest in doing just that.
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