PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Not since he’s been the Pirates GM over the last six years has Ben Cherington had this opportunity. Cherington discussed with MLB Network how it is different this offseason.
“I think we are casting a wide net,” Cherington told MLB Network. “We are pursuing all kinds of free agents and trade opportunities at different levels.”
That would include the reported offer of $100 million over four seasons for free agent Kyle Schwarber, who ended up re-signing with Philadelphia for five years and $150 million. Cherington said when you pursue high-level free agents you are going to strike out some and you got to be ready to pivot quickly and move to the next opportunity.
“Excited to be in this situation where we are looking to add to the Major League team,” Cherington said with a feeling of satisfaction to be a buyer instead of constantly selling. He didn’t want to sell his current group short, but acknowledged the obvious, that their offense is nowhere near good enough to compete for the postseason.
“We would like to add to it in as meaningful ways as possible,” Cherington said on MLB Network. “Whether that’s with a bigger fish we hook or multiples, pursing all kinds of things. It all starts with the belief we can win in 2026. The position player group is the obvious area to add to.”
Cherington recognizes trades are a possibility, but told MLB Network they want to be careful about how much they trade. He said in the last 18 months they’ve moved a handful of controllable pitchers looking for position-player talent. While he wouldn’t rule doing trading another young pitcher…
“We got to be careful don’t want to thin that group out too much,” Cherington told MLB Network. “It comes down to fit, if it’s something we think clearly makes the lineup better, maybe it’s something we would consider, but it’s a strength and we want to keep it that way.”
How about Cruz being a superstar?
The hosts on MLB Network were enamored with Oneil Cruz and his performance in the Home Run Derby. Beyond the wows at All-Star Week, Cruz regressed in most categories last season
· 2024--.259/.324/.449/.773, 34 doubles, 21 HR, 76 RBI, 22 SB
· 2025--.200/.298/.378/.676, 18 doubles, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 38 SB
“He’s working hard this offseason and continuing to be consistent in his approach,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly on MLB Network. “The adjustments the pitching makes, it’s really tough. He’s getting older but still a younger player and continuing to adjust back to the league that has adjusted to him pretty well.”