The Pittsburgh Pirates are going to enter the season ahead as a surprising dark horse to win the NL Central Division.
No, they won't be the favorites, but they've made enough roster moves and have strong enough pitching to squint and see a dangerous ballclub.
They'd look even better with another move or two.
ESPN's Tristan Cockcroft has an idea: He wants them to sign Eugenio Suarez.
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Suarez is the best free agent hitter remaining on the market. He hit a combined 49 home runs in 2025, 36 with the Diamondbacks and 13 after being traded to the Mariners.
He would slot right in at third base and be formidable for Pittsburgh.
"I'm already on board for a Pirates-led National League Central this year, and what better way for them to make a push in that direction than to address their severe power shortage with one of the best power hitters still on the free agent market?" Cockcroft writes. "Suarez might accept a shorter deal with higher AAV and/or a post-2026 opt-out -- think two years, $42 million -- and he would balance what's currently a lefty-heavy Pirates lineup that is also thin on the left side of the infield."
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Suarez would also provide a solid veteran leadership presence in a lineup that will start to have some young talent break through in the near future.
Pittsburgh may call up shortstop phenom Konnor Griffin at some point in 2026. If that happens, having him alongside Suarez on that side of the infield would be a solid arrangement, as well.
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