Pirates latest trade. The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the 2026 season with a clear objective in mind: improving an infield that has been a weak point for far too long. While the organization has already taken meaningful steps toward that goal, there is still a strong sense that more work remains if the club wants to take a legitimate step forward in the National League.
One of the Pirates’ most notable moves so far came when they acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays. That trade signaled a willingness from Pittsburgh’s front office to invest in proven major league talent rather than relying solely on internal options or long-term projections. Lowe brings pop, experience, and versatility to the middle infield, but even with his addition, the Pirates are far from finished reshaping their lineup.
According to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates are also exploring the possibility of signing veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez, who most recently played for the Seattle Mariners. Mackey’s report has generated plenty of discussion among fans, particularly because Suárez would address one of Pittsburgh’s most pressing needs while also providing an immediate offensive upgrade.
From a roster-construction standpoint, the interest makes a great deal of sense. The Pirates struggled mightily to generate consistent offense last season, finishing near the bottom of the league in several key statistical categories. Power production, in particular, was scarce, especially from the corners of the infield. Adding a player with Suárez’s profile would instantly change the complexion of the lineup and give the team a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat.
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Suárez’s 2025 season was nothing short of eye-opening. Splitting time between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Mariners, the veteran slugger launched 49 home runs, the highest total of his career. That power surge was accompanied by 118 runs batted in, further underscoring his ability to impact games in a variety of ways. For a Pirates team that often struggled to score more than a handful of runs on any given night, those numbers stand out dramatically.
While some might argue that Suárez’s strikeout totals and defensive limitations warrant caution, the Pirates latest trade are in a position where upside and immediate impact matter more than perfection. Pittsburgh does not currently have an established, everyday solution at third base who can provide both power and experience, and that gap has been evident for multiple seasons.
At the moment, the Pirates appear content to give Jared Triolo an extended look at third base. Triolo has shown flashes of defensive excellence and positional flexibility, making him a useful piece on the roster. However, expecting him to anchor the position offensively may be asking too much. His value is maximized when he can move around the diamond, filling in at multiple spots rather than being locked into a single everyday role.
That reality is precisely why Suárez is such an intriguing option. Installing him as the primary third baseman would allow Triolo to slide into a super-utility role, where his glove and versatility could be deployed more strategically. Additionally, Suárez could rotate into the designated hitter spot on days when his defense might be less of a priority, further optimizing roster flexibility.
Beyond the on-field fit, Suárez also brings a level of veteran leadership that could benefit a relatively young Pirates clubhouse. He has played in high-pressure environments, experienced postseason races, and navigated the ups and downs of a long major league career. For a team still learning how to win consistently, that kind of presence cannot be overlooked.
Timing, however, is becoming an increasingly important factor. Spring training is only a few weeks away, and the Pirates will soon need clarity regarding their opening-day lineup. Waiting too long to address third base could limit their options, especially if other teams begin to act more aggressively in the free-agent market.
There is some speculation that Pittsburgh may be monitoring the situation surrounding Alex Bregman, another prominent third baseman who remains available. The Boston Red Sox are rumored to be evaluating their options with Bregman, and his eventual landing spot could have ripple effects across the market. If Bregman signs quickly, it may clarify demand and pricing for players like Suárez.
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That said, the Pirates cannot afford to base their strategy entirely on what other organizations choose to do. While market dynamics matter, Pittsburgh’s primary focus must remain on assembling the best possible roster for its own competitive window. Waiting too long in hopes of a market shift could result in missing out altogether, leaving the team scrambling for a fallback plan.
From a financial standpoint, Suárez may also represent a more realistic target than some of the elite free agents. While he is coming off a career year, his age and defensive limitations could keep his contract demands within a range that aligns with Pittsburgh’s payroll structure. For a franchise that has historically been cautious with long-term commitments, Suárez offers a balance between cost, production, and risk.
There is also the question of how his offensive profile would translate to PNC Park. While the ballpark is known for suppressing power to certain fields, Suárez’s raw strength and pull-side power could mitigate some of those concerns. Even a modest regression from his 49-home-run season would still represent a massive upgrade for a Pirates lineup that struggled to clear the fences consistently.
Looking at the broader picture, adding Suárez would signal a continued shift in philosophy for the Pirates. Rather than waiting indefinitely for prospects to develop, the front office appears increasingly willing to supplement the roster with established veterans who can contribute immediately. The acquisition of Brandon Lowe already hinted at this approach, and signing Suárez would reinforce it.
For the fan base, the idea of adding a proven power hitter is understandably appealing. Pirates supporters have endured years of rebuilding, false starts, and near-misses. Seeing the team actively pursue impactful players provides a sense of momentum and seriousness that has often been lacking in previous offseasons.
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Of course, no signing is without risk. Suárez’s recent power spike may not be fully sustainable, and his defensive metrics suggest he may continue to decline at third base. But in the context of where the Pirates currently stand, those risks may be worth taking. The team is not one piece away from a championship, but it is at a point where meaningful upgrades can accelerate its trajectory.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how aggressive the Pirates want to be and how confident they are in their internal evaluations. If they believe Suárez can provide even a portion of his recent production while stabilizing a key position, the move could pay dividends both on the field and in terms of fan engagement.
With spring training rapidly approaching, clarity should come sooner rather than later. Whether the Pirates choose to pursue Suárez aggressively, pivot to another option, or rely on internal solutions remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that standing pat would be a missed opportunity.
Now the question turns to the fans.
Pirates fans, how would you feel about bringing Eugenio Suárez to Pittsburgh as the everyday third baseman? Would his power and experience outweigh the potential risks? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
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