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MLB Spoilers: Teams That Could Block Mets’ Offseason
Table of Contents 3) Pittsburgh Pirates 3) Pittsburgh Pirates A Busy Offseason in the Steel City --> 3) Pittsburgh Pirates Even if it seems the Pittsburgh ... Read more
3) Pittsburgh Pirates
Even if it seems the Pittsburgh Pirates always end up spoiling the Mets’ regular season plans, it’s a very satisfying feeling to see them actually add good players. They’ve been unusually active this offseason, even giving Kyle Schwarber an offer.
Their failure to land Schwarber didn’t stop them. They’ve since traded for Brandon Lowe and ex-Mets prospect Jake Mangum who had a really good year with the Tampa Bay Rays. Pittsburgh’s quest to keep Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne happy extended to signing Ryan O’Hearn in free agency as well.
Not to be overlooked, they traded Johan Oviedo earlier in the offseason for Boston Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia. Even Mets free agent Gregory Soto got an invite for a year and $7.5 million cash.
Pittsburgh is quietly putting together a nice little team. In the NL Central where it often feels like one of the better-looking teams comes up short every year, there’s room for them to make headway in the standings. Three teams from the NL Central went to the playoffs last year. We should expect them to add at least one more notable player this winter as we cross our fingers and hope it isn’t someone the Mets are in a stand-off with.
PITTSBURGH, December 28, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Pirates are making moves this offseason, and it’s more than just a tease. The team has been unusually active in bolstering its roster, signaling a potential shift in fortunes for a franchise often stuck in rebuild mode.
A Busy Offseason in the Steel City
The Pirates have been aggressive in free agency and trades, aiming to improve their standing in a competitive NL Central.
- The Pirates extended a contract offer to free agent Kyle Schwarber.
- Pittsburgh acquired Brandon Lowe via trade and signed Ryan O’Hearn in free agency.
- Johan Oviedo was traded for Boston Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia.
- Gregory Soto, a former Mets free agent, received an invitation to join the team.
Even if the Pirates have historically played spoiler for the New York Mets, there’s a genuine sense of optimism surrounding their recent acquisitions. They didn’t stop at simply offering a contract to Kyle Schwarber, despite ultimately missing out on the power hitter.
Their pursuit of talent continued with a trade for Brandon Lowe and the acquisition of Jake Mangum, a former Mets prospect who enjoyed a successful season with the Tampa Bay Rays. The team’s efforts also appear geared toward creating a positive environment for young stars Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne, evidenced by the signing of Ryan O’Hearn.
Beyond the high-profile moves, the Pirates also made a savvy trade earlier in the offseason, sending Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospect Jhostynxon Garcia. Adding to the mix, Mets free agent Gregory Soto was extended an invitation with a one-year, $7.5 million contract.
Pittsburgh is quietly assembling a promising team. In the NL Central, where consistently strong teams often fall short, there’s a clear opportunity for the Pirates to climb the standings. Last year, three teams from the division reached the playoffs, suggesting a path for Pittsburgh to contend. Expect at least one more significant addition this winter, though fans might be hoping it doesn’t come at the expense of the Mets.