sportingnews
After a promising 2026 MLB season that saw the Pittsburgh Pirates make strides despite missing the playoffs, the organization is now focused on offseason improvements. A key priority is re-signing Brandon Lowe, but the front office also aims to correct a glaring imbalance in the pitching staff.
According to a report from Ken Rosenthal, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Pirates are actively pursuing left-handed pitchers to diversify their predominantly right-handed staff. The report states that club officials are exploring additions of lefties through both free agency and trades, per sources briefed on the team's plans.
Pittsburgh boasts a talented rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller, but all five are right-handers. Of the 18 pitchers on the roster at the start of the offseason, only four are left-handed, highlighting the need for balance.
Key Analysis
Adding left-handed pitching would give the Pirates more flexibility and strategic options, particularly in matchups against left-handed-heavy lineups. While signing a top-tier lefty like Tarik Skubal may be unrealistic, several intriguing free-agent starters are available, including Kris Bubic, Matthew Boyd, Trevor Rogers, and Robbie Ray. In the bullpen, options such as Adrian Morejon, Sean Newcomb, Tyler Alexander, Steven Okert, Brooks Raley, Jose Alvarado, Gregory Soto, and JoJo Romero could be targeted. It would not be surprising to see the Pirates make multiple moves to address this imbalance.
Originally reported by sportingnews.