Pittsburgh Pirates Free Agent Targets: Insiders Point to O’Hearn and Suárez for Power Boost

The Pittsburgh Pirates are actively hunting for offense this offseason. Their pursuit has seen them miss on several big-name free agents so far. This includes players like Kyle Schwarber and Josh Naylor. The team now looks to alternative targets to fix its struggling lineup.

According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Pirates must be aggressive. He spoke about the team’s needs on the Foul Territory show. Bowden suggested the Bucs may need to overpay to attract talent due to their small-market status and recent record.

Why Pittsburgh Must Pay a Premium for Bats

Jim Bowden highlighted the team’s current situation clearly. He noted the Pirates have built a promising young pitching staff. However, their offense remains a major weakness holding them back.

Bowden named two specific free agents as ideal fits. He pointed to designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn and third baseman Eugenio Suárez. Adding both could inject around 50 home runs into the Pirates’ order. That power is desperately needed after a season where Pittsburgh hit the fewest homers in baseball.

The insider’s analysis underscores a harsh reality. Competitive teams often have an easier time signing players. The Pirates must use financial muscle to compensate and show serious intent to win now.

Detailed Look at the Proposed Free Agent Fits

Ryan O’Hearn represents a versatile left-handed bat. He posted an .803 OPS last season, which would have led the Pirates by a wide margin. His ability to play first base and the corner outfield spots adds valuable depth.

Most importantly, O’Hearn hits left-handed pitching well. He had an .832 OPS against southpaws last year. This makes him a strong everyday option, not just a platoon player.

Eugenio Suárez is a proven power source. He smashed 49 home runs for the Seattle Mariners last season, tying his career high. Only five players have hit more homers than him since 2018.

Suárez would immediately become the heart of the Pirates’ order. He also brings recent playoff experience from Seattle’s run to the ALCS. His presence would address a glaring hole at third base created by last summer’s trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ path to contention is clear. They must add proven power to support their young core. Targeting free agents like Ryan O’Hearn and Eugenio Suárez could transform their lineup overnight.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who did the Pirates already try to sign this offseason?

The Pirates made serious offers to Kyle Schwarber and Josh Naylor. Reports indicate they offered Schwarber a four-year deal worth $125 million. Their offer to Naylor was upwards of $78 million.

Why is it hard for the Pirates to sign free agents?

Insiders say the team’s recent lack of winning and small-market status are hurdles. To overcome this, they may need to offer more money than larger market clubs for similar players. It is about demonstrating a full commitment to building a winner.

How much home run power could these two players add?

Together, Ryan O’Hearn and Eugenio Suárez combined for 66 home runs last season. Jim Bowden estimated adding them could bring about 50 homers to Pittsburgh. This would be a massive boost for a team that hit a league-worst 117 homers in 2025.

What was the Pirates’ biggest offensive problem last year?

The team had the worst slugging percentage and OPS in all of Major League Baseball. They desperately lacked consistent power threats in the middle of their lineup. This put excessive pressure on their pitching staff to be perfect every game.

Where would these new players fit on the field?

Ryan O’Hearn could serve as the primary designated hitter while also backing up first base and the outfield. Eugenio Suárez would step in as the everyday third baseman, filling a position that has seen instability since the trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes.