Pirates Third Base Update: Paredes, McCutchen Status and Outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the busiest teams in baseball’s offseason.

This article breaks down what the Ozuna signing means for their lineup, payroll, and long-term plans.

It looks at how Marcell Ozuna’s one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 fits into a broader push to upgrade at third base.

The Pirates want to add a left-handed starter and shape their future around what could be a franchise-record Opening Day payroll.

Offseason Shakeup: Ozuna Signs with the Pirates

The addition of Marcell Ozuna signals a real shift in Pittsburgh’s approach to building a stronger, more flexible lineup.

Ozuna’s arrival happens during a busy winter, with the Pirates trying to fill several holes while keeping payroll space for other moves.

The move raises questions about how the roster will balance power, defense, and designated-hitter duties in a more American League-style plan.

What Ozuna Brings to Pittsburgh

• Veteran bat with experience in high-leverage situations who can contribute right away in the lineup.
• One-year contract with a mutual option for 2027, so the Pirates can reassess a year from now if they want to keep him or move on.
• Potential full-time DH role that could free up fielding flexibility and add some needed offense to the middle of the order.
• Smart addition for a Pirates team that’s leaned into versatility and veteran presence lately.

Third-Base Dilemma and In-House Options

Pittsburgh still needs a third-base upgrade after a rough season.

In 2025, Pirates third basemen posted a league-worst .573 OPS, trailing the next-worst team by almost 50 points.

Ke’Bryan Hayes handled third base before the trade to the Reds.

Jared Triolo, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Cam Devanney all got some time there too.

Right now, Triolo looks like the likely starter, which really shows how thin the Pirates are at the hot corner.

Internal Options and Market Realities

• Third-base market is thin, with veterans like Luis Rengifo, Ramon Urias, and Santiago Espinal still unsigned.
• Kiké Hernández is out there but probably heads back to Los Angeles, so outside options for immediate impact are limited.
• Isaac Paredes has been a big trade target, but with Ozuna’s signing and the payroll picture, Pittsburgh’s likely out of that race.

Payroll and Roster Implications

FanGraphs’ Roster Resource projects the Pirates’ 2026 commitments at about $105 million, which could push Pittsburgh toward a franchise-record Opening Day payroll.

The Pirates’ financials are tight: Paredes is owed $9.35 million in 2026, and trading for him without shedding salary would push payroll up by more than $25 million compared to last year.

Ozuna’s addition fills a roster need but also tightens how much room the Pirates have to make in-season moves or chase further upgrades.

Where the Payroll Could Go from Here

• Finding a left-handed starter looks more doable, since Pittsburgh has a history of adding veteran southpaws like Andrew Heaney, Bailey Falter, Jose Quintana, Martín Pérez, and Tyler Anderson.
• The Ozuna signing might also affect McCutchen’s future with the team, since Ozuna probably takes over as full-time DH and McCutchen’s role has leaned DH in recent seasons.

Left-Handed Starter Search and McCutchen’s Future

Pittsburgh’s knack for adding veteran lefties could help reinforce the rotation with a reliable southpaw. The Pirates have a habit of bringing in left-handed starters who offer length and playoff-tested efficiency.

This pattern probably continues as the front office weighs how competitive they want to be right now versus keeping payroll under control. Meanwhile, Ozuna’s presence at DH might complicate whether the Pirates re-sign Andrew McCutchen.

McCutchen’s value has bounced around as he’s mostly been a DH in recent seasons. It’s tough to know if there’s really a clear answer for how the Pirates handle that.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates Notes: Third Base, Paredes, McCutchen