The Pittsburgh Pirates are evaluating multiple avenues to bolster their roster for the 2026 season, including exploring the free agent market and potentially hiring a new pitching coach [2, 3]. General Manager Ben Cherington is considering several free agents to add offense to the lineup [2, 6]. Meanwhile, the team is reportedly close to hiring Bill Murphy from the Houston Astros as their new pitching coach, filling the vacancy left by Oscar Marin [3].
Potential Free Agent Targets and Offseason Plans
The Pirates are listed as potential fits for several prominent free agents, including Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham and Luis Arráez [2]. Jim Bowden of The Athletic ranked Grisham as the 24th best free agent available [6]. Acquiring Grisham could allow Oneil Cruz to focus more on his hitting, where the Pirates envision him becoming a slugger [5]. The Pirates may also be looking to add a reliever, but are unlikely to spend big on a closer who will be 35 years old in May [1]. One potential target mentioned is RHP Ryan Helsley, with a contract prediction of 1 year, $10 million [1]. However, the Pirates may prefer to allocate their resources elsewhere [1].
Beyond free agency, the Pirates' farm system boasts several promising prospects [4, 8, 9]. Shortstop Sammy Stafura, the highest-ranked high school prospect in New York in 2023, is one of the new faces in the system [4]. Nick Yorke, ranked as the Pirates' No. 14 prospect, is also looking for a second chance to prove himself [8]. However, not all prospects are without their challenges; Zander Mueth, ranked No. 15, has been set back by injuries [9]. Paul Skenes, is expected to win the NL Cy Young Award [10].
Coaching Change and Prospect Development
The expected hiring of Bill Murphy as pitching coach signals a strategic shift for the Pirates [3]. Murphy's experience with the Astros could bring a new perspective to the Pirates' pitching development program [3]. The organization is focusing on developing its young starters, giving fans reason for hope in 2026 [7]. Prospects like Mitch Jebb, a second baseman, are also part of the Pirates' long-term plans, with the potential to contribute in 2026 [14]. Catcher Javier Rivas, while still developing, possesses the potential to be a productive hitter with 10-15 home runs per season if he refines his contact metrics [16].
TL;DR
- The Pirates are exploring free agent options like Trent Grisham to boost their offense and allow Oneil Cruz to focus on hitting [5, 6].
- Bill Murphy is expected to be hired as the Pirates' new pitching coach, potentially bringing fresh insights to the team's pitching development [3].
- Prospects like Sammy Stafura and Nick Yorke represent the future of the Pirates, while others like Zander Mueth are working to overcome setbacks [4, 8, 9].
- Paul Skenes is expected to win the NL Cy Young Award [10].