Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for the MLB Winter Meetings, a pivotal period in the offseason where teams make significant moves. The meetings, set to begin Sunday in Dallas, will feature key events such as Hall of Fame votes and drafts.

On Sunday, results from the Hall of Fame Classic Baseball Era Committee will be announced. Dave Parker, a member of the Pirates Hall of Fame, is on the ballot for Cooperstown again. This marks his fourth appearance on a Veterans Committee ballot; he last received 43.8% of the vote in 2019 from the Modern Era Committee.

The MLB Draft Lottery is scheduled for Tuesday. The Pirates have a 5.31% chance at securing the first overall pick this year, having previously benefited from winning the inaugural Draft Lottery two years ago which allowed them to select Paul Skenes.

Wednesday brings the Rule 5 Draft where Pittsburgh holds the eighth overall selection and has open roster spots to potentially make a pick.

A primary focus for the Pirates this offseason is addressing their corner outfield needs after parting ways with Bryan De La Cruz and Connor Joe at the non-tender deadline and losing Edward Olivares to free agency. The team seeks an offensive boost following last season's performance that saw them finish 25th in home runs across Major League Baseball.

In addition to corner outfielders, Pittsburgh aims to bolster its first base position and bullpen by leveraging its pitching depth in potential trades. While top pitching prospects remain off-limits, other pitchers may be available as trade assets due to organizational depth.

Bubba Chandler stands out as a notable prospect who remains untouchable but provides flexibility if trading becomes necessary. Ranked 15th overall by MLB Pipeline, Chandler strengthens an already robust rotation at Triple-A Indianapolis.

Regarding potential Rule 5 Draft selections, catcher Omar Alfonzo (No. 26) is eligible but unlikely to attract interest from other teams given his High-A status. Outfielder Sammy Siani and right-hander Eddy Yean are also available candidates with Siani showing promise during his time in Arizona Fall League play.

Pittsburgh's past selections have focused on relievers like Jose Soriano and Luis Oviedo (2020), along with Jose Hernandez (2022). They might continue this trend by adding middle relief depth through upcoming drafts or trades involving their surplus pitching talent.

With ample resources yet unmet needs within both lineup configurations alongside bullpen support requirements—especially concerning big league arms—the question arises whether any deals could materialize during these crucial winter meetings held down south?