As the baseball season closes, teams are preparing for the off-season shake-ups, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are no exception. With a keen eye on reshaping their roster, General Manager Ben Cherington faces the challenge of enhancing their lineup, particularly targeting first base and the outfield positions. Given the team's typically conservative financial strategy, exploring the trade market could provide the most viable route for impactful changes.
One of the potential trade candidates that has been highlighted is Ryan Mountcastle from the Baltimore Orioles. A consistent performer over his five seasons with Baltimore, Mountcastle stands out not only for his batting prowess, reflected in his .271 average and 13 home runs in 2024, but also for his defensive improvement, making him a Gold Glove finalist. At 27, he is entering arbitration, with an expected salary of $6.6 million in 2025. Having control over Mountcastle through 2026 could make him an attractive acquisition for the Pirates despite competition from the Astros and Tigers.
Another possibility is Wilyer Abreu from the Boston Red Sox. Abreu excelled in the 2024 season, proven by his solid offensive stats and an impressive 18 defensive runs saved in right field. At 25, Abreu's long-term control until 2029 could be highly appealing, aligning with the Pirates' strategy to build a competitive roster by acquiring players who can contribute significantly over an extended period. The Royals and Guardians are also watching Abreu closely.
Spencer Torkelson from the Detroit Tigers represents a more speculative option for the Pirates. Although Torkelson's performance has been inconsistent, peaking in 2023 with 31 home runs, his potential remains tantalizing. As he isn’t yet arbitration-eligible and won't enter free agency until after 2028, Torkelson could provide a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. His struggles might make him a feasible pick for teams like the Red Sox and Diamondbacks, along with Pittsburgh, seeking a player needing a fresh start.
Lastly, Brett Baty from the New York Mets adds intrigue as a former top prospect still finding his MLB footing. While he primarily plays third base—a position the Pirates have covered—his flexibility in playing other positions like second base and left field adds leverage. Not reaching free agency until 2028-29 gives the Pirates, and other interested teams like the Mariners and Tigers, ample time to benefit from his potential breakthrough.
To land any of these promising talents, the Pirates are expected to leverage young assets. Right-hander Braxton Ashcraft, noted as Pittsburgh Baseball Now's No. 5 prospect, could be a key piece in these negotiations. Ashcraft's strong 2024 performances, despite injury challenges, underscore his potential value, which could attract interest from the Red Sox, Orioles, and Guardians.
These strategic evaluations and potential trade maneuvers were detailed in an article initially published on Pittsburgh Baseball Now and subsequently shared with Bleacher Report, underscoring the Pirates' proactive approach to potential roster enhancements in the offseason.
