Third base is a burning issue for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and it’s one that could define their season. But here’s where it gets controversial: with the hot corner still a glaring question mark, can the Pirates truly contend in the National League Central?
With just a month left before Spring Training, the Pirates have been making waves this offseason, thanks to General Manager Ben Cherington’s bold moves. Acquiring 2025 American League All-Stars Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn was a significant step toward revitalizing a stagnant offense. Yet, the third base position remains a glaring hole—one Cherington himself has acknowledged. And this is the part most people miss: while the Pirates have spent big, they’re still far from solving their offensive puzzle at the hot corner.
The recent signing of three-time All-Star Alex Bregman by the Chicago Cubs—a division rival—only adds salt to the wound. Bregman, a 10-year veteran with 209 career home runs, would have been a perfect fit. But with his $175 million deal off the table, the Pirates are left scrambling. Another high-impact option, free agent Eugenio Suarez, who smashed 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs last season for the Seattle Mariners, remains available. However, his price tag could be prohibitive for the Pirates, who’ve already committed over $48 million to O’Hearn, Lowe, and reliever Gregory Soto.
Here’s the kicker: the Miami Marlins, with deeper pockets, are reportedly eyeing Suarez to fill their own offensive void at third base. Will the Pirates be outbid again?
Beyond Bregman and Suarez, the free-agent market for third basemen drops off sharply. Yoan Moncada, who hit 12 home runs and drove in 54 runs last season for the Los Angeles Angels, is arguably the next best option. But let’s be clear: third base is a corner position where teams expect both power and run production. The Pirates’ current starter, Jared Triolo, is a Gold Glove defender but has struggled offensively, batting just .227 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs in 107 games last season. Is that enough to compete?
Shifting focus to other MLB moves, the Pirates’ trade of pitcher Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox netted them top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia. However, Garcia’s quadriceps injury in the Venezuelan Winter League has raised concerns, though the team remains optimistic he’ll be ready for Spring Training. Meanwhile, the Cubs’ loss of Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers—a four-year, $240 million deal—highlights the growing disparity in MLB payrolls.
Speaking of the Dodgers, their lineup is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Adding Tucker to a roster already featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman has pushed their payroll to a staggering $2.1 billion. And this is where it gets contentious: Ohtani and Tucker’s combined 2026 salaries of $130 million exceed the entire payroll of 10 MLB teams, including the Pirates. Is this sustainable, or is a lockout in 2027 inevitable?
Elsewhere, the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets have been dominating the offseason headlines. The Mets, after missing the playoffs, signed shortstop Bo Bichette and second baseman Jorge Polanco. The Orioles, rebounding from a last-place finish, landed power-hitting first baseman Pete Alonso. The Red Sox bolstered their rotation with Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray, while the Blue Jays replaced Bichette with Dylan Cease and Kazuma Okamoto.
Finally, the St. Louis Cardinals are undergoing a major overhaul under Chaim Bloom. Trading veterans like Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado signals a new direction for the storied franchise. But the question remains: are these moves enough to return the Cardinals to contention?
What do you think? Are the Pirates doing enough to address their third base issue? Will MLB’s payroll disparities lead to a lockout? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark some debate!
