A former MLB executive offered a blueprint for how the Pittsburgh Pirates can attack the free-agent market.
Although linked to several big names, the Pirates have yet to pounce this offseason. They’re seeking upgrades for a lineup that finished the 2025 season last in home runs and OPS.
Jim Bowden pitched a potential solution. The MLB insider and former general manager encouraged the Pirates to sign a pair of prominent corner infielders during Monday’s “Foul Territory.”
“Ryan O’Hearn, Eugenio Suárez. Two examples. Two bats,” Bowden said. “Add some offense, 50 home runs to the lineup.”
Suárez nearly reached that target alone last season, matching a career high by belting 49 home runs for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. The third baseman averaged 28.5 long balls over the previous four years, but no Pirates player has exceeded 27 since Josh Bell mashed 37 in the power-inflated 2019 campaign.
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O’Hearn tallied a personal-best 17 homers in 2025, so he doesn’t offer the same pop as Suarez. Yet the 32-year-old first baseman/designated hitter has batted .277/.343/.445 over the last three seasons and improved substantially against left-handed pitching during an All-Star campaign.
Bowden feels the Pirates haven’t been aggressive enough in seeking out big free-agent bats, but he sees this pairing as feasible targets.
“You can certainly improve the offense of this team. We know they can pitch, so let’s get some bats,” he said. “I think O’Hearn and Suárez are two realistic guys they could get in free agency right now, which would improve their chances of contending.”
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