This article digs into the Pittsburgh Pirates’ shifting offseason approach. They’re open to trading right-hander Mitch Keller, just picked up young outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and pitching prospect Jesus Travieso, and seem determined to finally build a young, sustainable offensive core after seven straight losing seasons.
Pirates Stay Aggressive After Garcia–Travieso Deal
The Pirates shook up the roster by sending Johan Oviedo and two prospects to the Boston Red Sox. In return, they got outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and pitching prospect Jesus Travieso.
This move signals a continued focus on youth. It also shows just how urgently the club needs to upgrade its offense.
Pittsburgh isn’t done yet. The front office is still active, juggling several possibilities to reshape the lineup and deepen the roster for 2025 and beyond.
Why the Oviedo Trade Matters
Oviedo’s departure opens a rotation spot and brings in two players who fit the Pirates’ long-term vision. Garcia, only 22, has barely tasted the majors but is seen as a potential future everyday outfielder.
Travieso, just 18, adds some real excitement to the system with his fastball that can nearly hit 99 mph. He’s not close to PNC Park yet, but the upside is obvious.
The deal shows the Pirates are willing to shift pitching depth if it means chasing higher-upside bats. They want a more dynamic lineup, not just more arms.
Mitch Keller Trade Talk: Only for a True Impact Bat
Even after losing Oviedo, the Pirates haven’t ruled out moving Mitch Keller. But they won’t do it unless the return is significant.
Keller isn’t on the block as a salary dump or a rebuild piece. He’s the kind of pitcher most teams work hard to keep.
Still, his name keeps coming up. That alone says a lot about how desperate the Pirates are for offense.
Keller’s Value and Contract
Keller, 29, has become a reliable mid-rotation workhorse. He’s averaged 183 innings over the past three seasons, which is a big deal for a club that always seems to be scrambling for arms.
His contract is pretty team-friendly: $54.5 million over the next three years for that kind of durability and performance. He’s young enough and under control, making him a real asset.
Other teams know they can find pitching in free agency without giving up a top bat. That’s why there’s hesitation to trade a quality hitter for Keller alone, even if he’s appealing.
The Price Tag: A Significant Offensive Upgrade
The Pirates are clear: Keller only goes if he brings back a major offensive player, not just a solid add-on. They want a hitter who can anchor the lineup, not just fill it out.
If that kind of deal isn’t there, Keller stays. He’ll be the steadying force in a rotation that’s now missing Oviedo and trying to develop young arms like Travieso.
Hunting for Bats: Free Agents and Trade Targets
The Pirates finished near the bottom in runs scored last season. They know the lineup needs help, and the goal this winter is to add one or two regular hitters along with some depth for the bench.
The front office is exploring both free agents and trades. They’re not leaving any stone unturned right now.
Free-Agent and Trade Names on the Radar
Pittsburgh has checked in on several infielders, looking for some upside without breaking the bank:
On the trade side, they’ve looked at:
Any of these players could make an immediate difference for a lineup that’s been lacking punch.
The Kids: Garcia, Travieso, and Griffin as the Future Core
Beyond the big names, the Pirates’ plan is obvious: build a young core that can grow together and finally turn the page on all those losing seasons.
They’re hoping this next wave of prospects can change the team’s identity over the coming years.
“The Password” and the Next Wave of Talent
Jhostynxon Garcia, who goes by “The Password”, has become a fun storyline in Pittsburgh. The Pirates think he’s got the tools to become a regular, even if he’s not guaranteed a starting spot in 2025.
If his bat comes around, he could be a key piece for a lineup desperate for athleticism and power.
Jesus Travieso brings a different kind of upside. At 18, he’s already throwing 99 mph. Sure, he’s raw, but the stuff is real.
Then there’s Konnor Griffin, the 19-year-old top shortstop prospect. The Pirates are seriously thinking about starting him in the majors right away, which would be a bold move. If they do, it shows they’re willing to let their best young players learn on the fly instead of hiding them in the minors.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Pirates’ offseason isn’t just about one trade or a single free agent signing. It’s really about breaking a cycle of losing—and finally giving their young pitching staff enough real bats to compete for a full season.
Maybe Mitch Keller stays, maybe not. Maybe Garcia takes off, or Griffin actually shows up on Opening Day.
But the plan’s clear: go young, chase real offense, and try—at last—to turn this endless rebuild into a core that can actually win in Pittsburgh.
Here is the source article for this story: What’s next for the Pirates after their first major transaction of the offseason?
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