Pirates Pursue Proven Bat to Boost Offense After Lowe Trade

The Pittsburgh Pirates have jumped right into the thick of the MLB offseason, shaking up their roster with a gutsy three-team trade. They’re not done, either—rumors are swirling about at least one more big move on the way.

Let’s dive into what Brandon Lowe and the new arrivals mean for Pittsburgh’s offense, how the infield and outfield might look now, and which trade or free-agent targets could still be in play as the Pirates hunt for a desperately needed offensive boost in 2025.

Pirates Land Brandon Lowe in Three-Team Blockbuster

The big headline? Former All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe is now a Pirate, thanks to a three-team deal that also brought outfielder Jake Mangum and lefty Mason Montgomery to town. For a team that’s been hungry for offense, Lowe feels like the kind of bat that could really solidify the middle of the lineup.

Lowe sports a career 123 wRC+, which means he hits 23% better than the average MLB player. When he’s healthy, he brings left-handed power and patience at the plate—something the Pirates just haven’t had much of at second base.

Why Lowe Fits the Pirates’ Offensive Identity

The Pirates have been stuck in the lower tier of MLB offenses, so Lowe’s skill set is a breath of fresh air. He brings proven numbers, some playoff chops, and can move around the infield if needed.

Maybe most important, he gives the lineup some real depth. No longer does everything have to revolve around Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds.

Even after this splash, GM Ben Cherington hasn’t pumped the brakes. He’s said the Pirates still want to add another “proven bat” before Opening Day rolls around.

Fixing an Offense That Ranked Near the Bottom of MLB

No surprise the front office feels a sense of urgency. Last year, the Pirates finished 28th in MLB with an 86 wRC+, which is 14% below average. That’s despite some flashes from Cruz, steady work from Reynolds, and a few young guys stepping up.

Cherington’s strategy this winter? Raise the floor, not just the ceiling. He wants fewer easy outs and more real depth around the stars.

Internal Options: Mangum, Garcia, and Griffin

A quieter but interesting part of the trade is Jake Mangum. He’s a contact hitter who can play all three outfield spots. Mangum might split time in left with top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, giving the Pirates a mix of youth and upside out there.

Then there’s top prospect Konnor Griffin, who could be the long-term answer at shortstop. If Griffin pans out, the Pirates can build the infield around him, maybe even shifting Cruz for more flexibility.

Infield Shake-Up: Gonzales, Triolo, and the Third Base Question

Lowe’s arrival does more than add offense—it changes the whole infield picture. Nick Gonzales, once penciled in as the main second baseman, now moves into more of a utility or competition role.

Jared Triolo finds himself in a similar spot, likely bouncing around the infield as the Pirates search for the best mix of defense and offense.

Third Base Still the Biggest Roster Question

With Ke’Bryan Hayes gone, third base is wide open. The Pirates have checked in on several external options, including:

If a third baseman doesn’t come via trade or free agency, the Pirates might shift focus to the designated hitter spot, left open after Andrew McCutchen’s exit.

DH and Outfield Targets: Balancing Power and Versatility

The Pirates have been connected to slugger Marcell Ozuna. He’d bring real pop, but his glove? Not so much. That could be a problem if injuries hit and the team needs flexibility.

That’s why someone like Ryan O’Hearn might be more appealing. O’Hearn can handle first and the corners, plus he brings lefty power. That gives the manager some extra options with matchups and late-game moves.

Trade Chips and Cost of Doing Business

On the trade side, names like Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Mark Vientos, Steven Kwan, and Alec Burleson have popped up as possible targets. Any of them would give the offense a boost, but none would come cheap.

Cherington doesn’t seem eager to give up more pitching after using it in recent deals. That hesitation could shape what comes next.

How a Free-Agent Starter Could Unlock a Bigger Bat

One creative idea floating around: sign a free-agent starter to give the rotation a cushion. That way, the Pirates could trade from their pitching depth without gutting it.

Names like Zack Littell, Jose Quintana, and Tyler Mahle are on the radar. Add one, and suddenly swinging big for a third baseman, corner outfielder, or DH doesn’t seem so risky.

Big Picture: A Lineup Finally Turning the Corner?

The Pirates just took a major step forward by landing Brandon Lowe. The ripple effects across the lineup feel real this time.

With one more impact bat—maybe at third base, DH, or a corner outfield spot—Pittsburgh’s offense could finally catch up to its pitching and prospect pipeline.

For a franchise that’s spent too long trying to manufacture runs, 2025 might actually be a turning point. If Cherington can finish the job, well, things could get interesting.

 
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