The Pittsburgh Pirates are making headlines this offseason as they aggressively hunt for offensive firepower to complement their promising young pitching staff. After missing out on marquee free agents Kyle Schwarber and Josh Naylor, the Pirates are recalibrating their strategy and setting their sights on alternative options to revamp a lineup that struggled mightily in 2025. The team’s lack of home run power and overall offensive production has become a glaring weakness, and insiders suggest that bold moves are not just desirable—they’re absolutely necessary if Pittsburgh wants to contend in the upcoming season.
Jim Bowden, a respected MLB analyst, summed up the Pirates’ predicament succinctly: the club has assembled a strong foundation of young arms, but without an injection of proven power hitters, their playoff hopes remain dim. Bowden specifically identified free agents Ryan O’Hearn and Eugenio Suárez as ideal fits for Pittsburgh’s needs. According to his analysis, adding these two sluggers could provide a desperately needed jolt—potentially delivering around 50 home runs to a team that finished dead last in Major League Baseball with just 117 homers in 2025.
Why have the Pirates struggled to attract big bats to PNC Park? The answer, as Bowden and other insiders point out, is twofold: Pittsburgh’s recent lack of winning seasons and its small-market status mean the team must be willing to pay a premium to lure top talent. The Pirates reportedly made serious offers to both Schwarber and Naylor, with a four-year, $125 million deal on the table for Schwarber and a package worth upwards of $78 million for Naylor. Despite these aggressive moves, both players opted for other opportunities, leaving the Pirates searching for their next best options.
Enter Ryan O’Hearn, a versatile left-handed hitter who posted an impressive .803 OPS last season. That figure would have led the Pirates by a considerable margin, highlighting just how much his presence could elevate the team’s offensive output. O’Hearn isn’t just a one-dimensional slugger; he’s shown the ability to play first base as well as both corner outfield positions, giving manager Derek Shelton valuable flexibility. Even more intriguing, O’Hearn excelled against left-handed pitching in 2025, notching an .832 OPS—a rare trait for a lefty batter and one that makes him a legitimate everyday option rather than a platoon specialist.
On the other side of the diamond, Eugenio Suárez represents the kind of established power threat that Pittsburgh has sorely missed. Suárez blasted 49 home runs for the Seattle Mariners last season, tying his career high and cementing his status as one of baseball’s elite home run hitters. Since 2018, only five players have hit more long balls than Suárez, making him a potential game-changer for a Pirates lineup in desperate need of a power infusion. His recent playoff experience with Seattle, which included a deep run to the American League Championship Series, adds a valuable dose of postseason pedigree to a team eager to end its own October drought.
The need for new faces at third base is particularly acute following the trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes last summer. Suárez would fill that void immediately, providing both stability and a significant upgrade in offensive production at the hot corner. Meanwhile, O’Hearn’s ability to serve as the primary designated hitter, with the flexibility to back up at first base and in the outfield, would give the Pirates a more dynamic and unpredictable lineup. The combination of these two bats could transform Pittsburgh’s offense overnight, shifting the narrative from one of futility to one of genuine threat.
But the Pirates’ pursuit of O’Hearn and Suárez is more than just a response to last season’s woes. It’s a statement of intent—a signal to fans and the rest of the league that Pittsburgh is serious about building a contender. As Bowden put it, “The Pirates must use financial muscle to compensate and show serious intent to win now.” In an era where competitive teams often have an easier time signing players, Pittsburgh’s willingness to spend big could be the difference between another year of mediocrity and a legitimate playoff push.
The broader MLB landscape this offseason has been shaped by a flurry of high-profile signings and trades, each with ripple effects across the league. The San Diego Padres, for instance, re-signed Michael King to a three-year, $75 million deal, while top starter Dylan Cease inked a massive seven-year, $210 million contract. Edwin Díaz set a new standard for relievers, joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal that makes him the highest-paid closer by average annual value. The New York Mets shook things up by trading Brandon Nimmo to Texas for veteran infielder Marcus Semien, while the Atlanta Braves added Robert Suárez, last year’s National League saves leader, to bolster their bullpen.
Against this backdrop of big moves and shifting fortunes, the Pirates’ efforts to land O’Hearn and Suárez take on added urgency. The free agent market is fiercely competitive, with teams willing to pay top dollar for even incremental improvements. Pittsburgh’s challenge is not just to make offers, but to make offers that stand out—both in terms of financial commitment and the promise of a meaningful role on a team poised to take the next step.
For Pirates fans, the prospect of adding two proven power hitters is tantalizing. Last season’s struggles at the plate—marked by the worst slugging percentage and OPS in the majors—put immense pressure on the pitching staff to be perfect every night. By targeting O’Hearn and Suárez, the front office is hoping to relieve some of that burden and create a more balanced, dangerous roster. The message is clear: Pittsburgh is done settling for moral victories and is ready to compete with the big boys.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the world of free agency. As of now, the Pirates’ pursuit of O’Hearn and Suárez remains just that—a pursuit. But the team’s willingness to invest, coupled with a clear-eyed assessment of its needs, suggests that Pittsburgh is determined to change its fortunes. If they can land their targets, the Pirates could quickly become one of the most intriguing teams to watch in 2026.
For now, the action is ongoing and the stakes are high. The Pirates have put their cards on the table, and the baseball world is watching to see if they can finally bring some much-needed thunder to the Steel City lineup.
