"First time in a decade" - MLB insider issues verdict on Pirates' bold offseason splash with Kyle Schwarber & J.T. Realmuto in sight

The Pittsburgh Pirates are not known to be big spenders in the offseason, however, after consecutive underwhelming seasons, the National League franchise has been linked with high-profile moves this year.

Former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, who is coming off a career year last season, is one of the top free agent bats in free agency. The Pirates are among several teams interested in signing the veteran designated hitter who smashed 56 home runs last season.

Schwarber isn't the only name linked with the Pirates in free agency as veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto is also garnering interest from the NL Central team, per Jon Heyman.

“The Pirates are …. [moving] seriously into free agent waters for the first time in a decade," Heyman wrote.

The Pirates had a $86,464,000 payroll for Opening Day of the 2025 season, the fifth lowest in the league. However, after finishing with a 71-91 record, the fifth worst in MLB history, the Pirates front office has been more active this offseason, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"I heard that the Marlins and the Pirates are telling agents, "Hey! We'd like to be aggressive. We'd like to spend a little bit," Rosenthal said. "Now that can be in free agency or it can be in the matter of taking on salaries in trades."

"...I do expect that we are going to see some of this kind of activity, not just from the big spending teams that have that tons of prospects. You may see it from other clubs as well."

Pirates president acknowledged lack of offensive additions last offseason

One of the biggest issues for the franchise has been their offense. Paul Skenes' historic season earned him an NL Cy Young award, but the Pirates failed to back his performances.

Pirates president Travis Williams acknowledged the lack of quality offensive additions last offseason earlier this week.

“We think we missed the mark in being aggressive last offseason,” Williams said. “We didn’t add to the offense the way we needed to in order to support the pitching staff that we had."

It remains to be seen if the Pirates will be able to rectify their past mistakes by making a blockbuster signing in free agency. It's been almost a decade since the Pirates handed a multi-year contract to a free agent (Francisco Liriano for three years, $39 million in 2014) in the offseason.