PITTSBURGH — With the MLB offseason underway, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington and his staff have begun their quest to improve the club's roster. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, Cherington himself admitted that changes must be made to put the organization in a better position to compete for the postseason.

While free agency remains an option, the Pirates, a team regularly limited in payroll, also intend to upgrade their personnel through the trade market. Loaded with young, talented arms, Pittsburgh's surplus of pitching could provide an avenue to acquire affordable, more productive major league hitters. Knowing what the Pirates have to offer, their potential suitors are easier to identify. As MLB's stove begins to heat up, here is a look at four likely trade partners for the Pirates this offseason.

Baltimore Orioles

— Why they make sense: After back-to-back early postseason exits, the Orioles, who are in win-now mode, will undoubtedly be looking to add pitching this offseason. Baltimore will likely lose staff ace Corbin Burnes to free agency, and while the Orioles farm system remains among the best in baseball, there are few impactful, big league-ready arms on the horizon. Pitchers such as Luis Ortiz or Bailey Falter, who will both be battling for the back-end spots of the Pirates rotation, would hold high value for Baltimore. The Orioles could also be interested in snagging another minor league arm from the Pirates as they did in July by acquiring Patrick Reilly for Billy Cook.

— What they have to offer: Veterans such as outfielder Cedric Mullins and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle have been staples in the Baltimore lineup but wouldn't be hard to replace. Mountcastle would be the more appealing of the two for Pittsburgh, as he comes with multiple years of control. Ryan O'Hearn, whose $8 million club option was picked up Tuesday, could also be an option for the Pirates, as he can provide above-average offense from first base or a corner outfield spot. Finally, if the Orioles are set on keeping their veterans in the clubhouse, they could be willing to part ways with one of their youngsters if it meant getting a quality big league arm with numerous years of control in return.

Tampa Bay Rays

— Why they make sense: Regardless of how they did the season prior or where they currently sit in the standings, the Rays are always open for business. Perhaps the most unique front office in professional sports, Tampa Bay is always open to a roster shuffle, especially in the offseason. An organization known for its pitching, the Rays only had one player log more than 140 innings in 2024. Similar to Baltimore, if rotational depth is what they're searching for, Pittsburgh is a good market to browse. Tampa Bay has had prior success trading for young Pirate pitchers. Why not try again?

— What they have to offer: The Pirates were reportedly interested in Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz at this year's trade deadline. Diaz, who won the 2023 American League batting title, is set to make $10 million in 2025 and boasts a $12 million club option for 2026. His ability to play at the corner infield positions — primarily first base at this point in his career — makes him an attractive option, even if Andrew McCutchen returns at designated hitter. Offense, however, isn't the only thing the Pirates could take from Tampa Bay. Left-handers Colin Poche and Garrett Cleavinger would make great additions to the Pirates bullpen, as would right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks. Poche has just one year remaining on his deal, while the latter two come with multiple years of control.

Texas Rangers

— Why they make sense: Just one year after winning the World Series, the Rangers find themselves in an interesting spot this offseason. Max Scherzer is off the books, but they are still locked in to pay 38-year-old Jacob deGrom $115 million during the next three seasons. Recent first-round draft picks Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker have been in the headlines more for their injuries than production. While Texas will continue to develop both, additional, affordable support on the mound would help, as would adding to a farm system that was ranked 26th in baseball by MLB Pipeline.

— What they have to offer: Outfielder Adolis Garcia and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe are two bats with multiple years of control that would look good in the middle of the Pirates' lineup. The former is due to make $10.5 million ($9.25 base salary and $1.5 million from an achieved incentive bonus) this season and will be eligible for arbitration in 2026. The latter, meanwhile, has two remaining years of arbitration. And if the Pirates are more interested in improving defense than offense, outfielder Leody Taveras, who has three remaining years of arbitration on his current deal, could be another option.

Toronto Blue Jays

— Why they make sense: Toronto could be the top shopping spot for most teams looking to make a trade this offseason. The Blue Jays are coming off a last-place finish and boast the No. 24 farm system, per MLB Pipeline. Franchise cornerstones Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are both in the final years of their deal. Simply put, it might be time to tear everything down and start over. Stuck in a division that includes some of the toughest lineups in baseball, young pitching will be at the forefront of their shopping list whenever their inevitable rebuild begins.

— What they have to offer: Bichette will make $17.5 million in 2025, and FanGraphs estimates Guerrero Jr. will make close to $30 million through arbitration. Those figures are both likely out of Pittsburgh's price range. A more realistic target would be Gold Glove-winning outfielder Daulton Varsho, who has two remaining years of arbitration on his current deal. Closer Chad Green could be a nice addition to the bullpen, especially if the Blue Jays are willing to eat some of the $10.5 million he's owed in 2025. Other bullpen arms, such as Erik Swanson, could make for cheap reclamation projects.

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