Ryan O’Hearn reshaped his game to fit Pittsburgh’s hitter‑friendly PNC Park after signing a two‑year, $29 million deal. In 2026 he posted a .265/.330/.440 slash line, hit a career‑high 18 homers in 451 plate appearances, and doubled his pull‑in‑air rate to 19%. Adjustments included a higher launch angle (13.6°), pulling the ball 40.2% of the time, and contacting 2.3 inches in front of the plate—far above his previous sub‑1‑inch mark. While his strikeout rate rose to 22% and swing speed fell to 70.7 mph, the new approach delivered stronger SLG and ISO numbers, giving the Pirates a tougher middle of the order amid an offense that ranked sixth in scoring last season.
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes tried out a new sport during the offseason.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed 28‑year‑old infielder Akil Baddoo off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Baddoo, a former top prospect selected 74th overall by the Twins in 2016 and a No. 3 Rule 5 pick by Detroit in 2020, spent five seasons on the Tigers' opening‑day roster before a injury‑marred stint with the Brewers. He posts a career .224 average with 28 homers and 104 RBIs and hopes the move to a “championship‑pedigree” club revives his career.
The New York Mets re‑sign veteran right‑hander Robert Stock to a one‑year split deal, marking a modest move by president David Stearns in his fourth offseason. Stock, 37, posted a 5.93 ERA with 29 strikeouts over 30.1 innings last year and saw mixed results—including a 5⅓‑inning shutout versus the Rays and a rough stretch surrendering 15 runs to the Brewers and Pirates. With the bullpen largely dismantled at the trade deadline, the Mets hope the aging arm can provide depth as they rely on young pitchers like Nolan McLean and Christian Scott to revive the rotation. Fans will watch to see if Stock can exceed his inconsistent 2026 performance.
Brandon Lowe, in his debut season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, becomes a National League Silver Slugger finalist and also contends for a Gold Glove. He posted a .260/.331/.493 slash line with 35 homers, 96 RBIs and a franchise‑record 33 second‑base home runs in 150 games, leading the team in power stats and ranking among league leaders in HRs, slugging and OPS. The 32‑year‑old faces free agency, with Pittsburgh extending a $23.15 million qualifying offer that must be decided by Nov. 17. The Silver Slugger winner is announced on Nov. 17.
The 24-year-old started the season late but got better as the season went along.
Pittsburgh hasn't had a Silver Slugger in over a decade.
The Yankees may need another reliable late‑inning reliever this off‑season, and former Pirates arm Luke Weaver could be a fit. Weaver posted a 2.69 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 60 ⅓ innings for the Mets and Pirates in 2026, showing he can handle pressure before the ninth. With New York facing potential bullpen departures—free agents David Bednar and Paul Blackburn—the club could explore a trade, though Pittsburgh still controls Weaver through 2027 and may demand a high price. The article weighs the cost of a Weaver reunion against re‑signing Blackburn or targeting other free‑agent setup men.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, fresh off an 82-80 season and eyeing their first postseason since 2015, are targeting San Diego’s first baseman Ty France in free agency. The 32‑year‑old former 2022 All‑Star posted a career‑best .295 average, 21 homers and 72 RBIs in 133 games for the Padres, ranking among the top free‑agent first basemen. With over $20 million shedding from contracts for Brandon Lowe and Marcell Ozuna, the Pirates could reallocate those funds to upgrade from Spencer Horowitz at first base and accelerate their climb toward a winning record. Fans are invited to weigh in on the potential signing.
Pirates shortstop prospect Wyatt Sanford earns a spot on the 2026 Arizona Fall League All-Star team, becoming the only Pittsburgh player honored. The 20‑year‑old hit a 454‑foot home run on Oct. 22 and is blasting 19 homers this season, up from five last year. He posts a .283/.386/.417 slash line with nine RBIs and nine walks in 15 games for the Glendale Desert Dogs. Sanford, ranked fifth among Pirates prospects, discussed his power surge and swing adjustments in a recent interview. The AFL Fall‑Stars Game is set for Sunday, Nov. 8, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.
DK's Daily Shot of Pirates: The big spend
Trevor Rogers, the 29‑year‑old left‑hander who posted a 1.81 ERA in 2025 and logged 169 innings with a 4.01 ERA in 2026, is eyeing a multi‑year deal worth $60‑70 million. MLB Trade Rumors narrows his potential destinations to four clubs: the Chicago White Sox, who need to upgrade a rotation that fell short of a deep postseason run; the San Diego Padres, busy replenishing a rotation losing several starters; the Pittsburgh Pirates, who could afford a $65 M contract to add a solid lefty alongside Paul Skenes and others; and the Baltimore Orioles, who may try to retain him after extending a $23.1 M qualifying offer, though Rogers is likely to test free agency. The piece breaks down each team’s pitching needs and financial fit.
Pirates extend a $23.15 million one‑year qualifying offer to free‑agent second baseman Brandon Lowe, who hit a record 35 homers and posted a .824 OPS in 150 games after being traded from the Rays. Analysts clash on his market value: Jim Bowden projects a three‑year, $45 million deal, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel foresees around four years, $80 million, while Keith Law sees a five‑year, $150 million contract, ranking Lowe as the third‑best free agent. Lowe must decide by Nov. 17, and the Pirates could retain him while still negotiating a longer deal amid looming CBA talks.
DK's Daily Shot of Pirates: Which players say no?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are targeting a free‑agent hire to improve their glaring weakness versus right‑handed pitching. In 2026 the team posted a league‑best .275 average against lefties but slumped to a .235 average and .697 OPS, ranking 24th‑26th league‑wide against right‑handers. MLB insider Jim Bowden says the D‑Backs will explore options to balance the lineup, and the article weighs potential free‑agent candidates who could boost right‑handed production. The piece also notes a recent game where Pittsburgh’s Jake Mangum homered against Arizona.
Gonzales' 2026 season was his best yet in the big leagues, contending for a battle title in a breakout year.
The Lookout Landing tracker compiles every Seattle Mariners off‑season transaction so far. In October, Seattle claimed INF/OF Michael Toglia (Reds) and OF Grant McCray (Giants), exercised Andrés Muñoz’s option while dropping Victor Robles and Bryce Miller, and may have rehired hitting coach CJ Gillman. Both Josh Naylor and Cal Raleigh underwent offseason surgeries. In early November, the club extended Randy Arozarena’s qualifying offer, claimed RHP Isaac Mattson (Pirates), reinstated seven injured players—including Matt Brash and Luke Raley—and outrighted five to Triple‑A Tacoma. The roundup links to deeper coverage for each move.
The Brewers kick off the offseason by picking up William Contreras' $15.5 million 2027 option and extending a $23.15 million qualifying offer to first baseman Jake Bauers, who must decide by Nov. 17. Meanwhile, options for Gary Sánchez and Antonio Senzatela were declined, and Dustin May opted out of his mutual option. Akil Baddoo, Jared Koenig and Bryse Wilson hit waivers, with Baddoo claimed by Pittsburgh. Free‑agents JoJo Romero and Brandon Woodruff join the market, while the club activates three 60‑day IL players and trims the 40‑man roster to 33 pending the Nov. 20 tender deadline.
Two Pittsburgh Pirates prospects are stealing the spotlight in the Arizona Fall League. 20‑year‑old shortstop Wyatt Sanford, now with the Glendale Desert Dogs, posts a .291/.400/.436 slash line, hits two homers—including a monstrous 454‑foot blast on Oct. 22—and drives in nine runs, establishing himself as the AFL’s top Pirates hitter. Meanwhile 22‑year‑old right‑hander Bryan Mena, a surprise ace, logs 27 2/3 scoreless innings, 11 strikeouts, a 1.57 WHIP and a .273 opponent average, earning five K’s in a 2.2‑inning relief effort in a 1‑0 win. Their performances could shape the Pirates’ future roster as the AFL wraps up on Nov. 11.
Eight MLB players receive $23.15 million qualifying offers, according to Joel Sherman (NY Post). The list includes Randy Arozarena (Mariners), Jake Bauers (Brewers), David Bednar (Yankees), Ryan Jeffers (Twins), Brandon Lowe (Pirates), Adrián Morejón (Padres), Trevor Rogers (Orioles) and Seiya Suzuki (Cubs). Players have until 3 p.m. CT on Nov 17 to accept or reject, and can negotiate elsewhere in the meantime. If they sign elsewhere, the original club gets draft‑pick compensation while the new club faces penalties. The article notes the rarity of relievers like Bednar and Morejón receiving QOs and highlights the Padres’ new ownership context.
The Milwaukee Brewers exercised their $14.5 million option on catcher William Contreras while declining a $14 million option on reliever Antonio Senzatela and the $8.5 million mutual option on backup catcher Gary Sánchez. They also extended a qualifying offer to Jake Bauers and let Dustin May opt out of a $20 million mutual deal. On the roster front, outfielder Akil Baddoo is claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh, and relievers Bryse Wilson and Jared Koenig clear waivers, with both now free agents.
The Pirates have claimed outfielder Akil Baddoo off waivers from the Brewers, according to announcements from both clubs. More to come.
The Seattle Mariners add depth ahead of free‑agency day, claiming right‑hander Isaac Mattson from the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Grant McCray from the San Francisco Giants. Mattson, a 31‑year‑old reliever with a 93‑96 mph fastball and solid secondary slider and changeup, brings a much‑needed upgrade to Seattle’s middle‑relief corps. McCray, a 25‑year‑old with elite speed, a strong arm and a 12% barrel rate, offers versatile defensive coverage but has struggled with contact, striking out 40% of his swings. Both retain minor‑league options through 2027, giving the Mariners flexibility as they trim the 40‑man roster.
The Seattle Mariners have claimed right‑hander Isaac Mattson off outright waivers from Pittsburgh, adding a 31‑year‑old reliever who posted a strong 2.45 ERA and 12 holds in 2025 before slipping to a 5.35 ERA in 2026. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Mattson compiled a 3.83 ERA and 20 holds in 91 2/3 innings, throwing a 94.2 mph fastball, slider and changeup. He also recorded a 1.33 ERA in Triple‑A Indianapolis this year. With the Mariners’ 40‑man roster now over the limit, they must cut four players before the deadline, and Mattson enters his final minor‑league option year in 2027.
ESPN’s early 2027 MLB power rankings slot the Pittsburgh Pirates at No. 9, up from a No. 13 finish in 2026 when they posted an 82‑80 record and jumped to sixth in the league in runs scored. Key factors include re‑signing power‑hitting free agent Brandon Lowe (35 homers last season), the breakout potential of sophomore shortstop Konnor Griffin, and a strengthened rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Jared Jones and rookie RHP Seth Hernandez. While the defense and bullpen need upgrades, the Buccos could break their postseason drought dating back to 2015 if these pieces fall into place.