PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was the opening from Ben Cherington in his nearly 20-minute news conference discussing the trade for Tampa power-hitter Brandon Lowe. Entering his sixth season as the Pirates general manager, he says the Pirates aren’t done trying to help the offense.
“Not surprising we’ve been pursuing bats, left-hand bats, bats in all kinds of shapes all offseason,” Cherington said with reporters. “That will continue I’m sure as we get through the holidays and into January. Brandon Lowe was just one of those.”
Lowe brings 31 home runs from the left side and Cherington believes that’s a great fit for PNC Park, plus it’s a guy with a history of doing it at the Major League level. However, he said again Saturday, the Bucs aren’t done.
“We'd like to add another, let's say proven bat somewhere on the roster whether that's outfield, whether that's corner infield or whether that's DH,” Cherington said. “Not sure. I think we just got to keep working it and pursuing all the angles.”
The Pirates traded starting pitcher Johan Oviedo for outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia ‘The Password’ and Cherington said he has a ton of upside and will have the opportunity in spring training to show people he’s ready. But, Cherington noted he’s young and not proven at the MLB level. He said they expect him to make an impact on the team, but it might not be on Opening Day 2026.
Outfield seems to be an area he is focusing on. Cherington said Oneil Cruz will be in center and Bryan Reynolds in right, as of right now Garcia would be in the mix along with Jack Suwinski (Cherington’s words), Jake Mangum (the other position player in the Lowe trade), Billy Cook and Esmerlyn Valdez are the other outfielders on the 40-man roster.
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Designated hitter is another hole to fill. Andrew McCutchen is a free agent and has been the DH in 331 games over the last three years. While many think he won’t be back, every time that is brought up on social media, McCutchen leaves the door open for a return. It could be any of the internal options including Nick Gonzales, who is now without a position with Lowe slated to play second base.
Those names put out there, Cherington said they remain aggressive. From earlier this month when it was leaked they were interested in, and made an offer to, Kyle Schwarber, the Pirates are promoting they are really focused on finding big-league solutions, not prospects.
“We'll stay open-minded,” Cherington said. “Again, if we can, our desire would be to add one more position player who's got a little bit more of a proven track record at the major-league level. I think we've got some flexibility as to where that player might fit in.”