3 big-money Pirates moves the Guardians should learn from (or replicate)

In recent years both the Guardians and Pirates have been near the bottom of MLB in payroll. That changed this offseason, however, as the Pirates made some moves to try and get out of the National League Central.

With that in mind, here's a look at three of the big moves the Pirates made this offseason, and whether the Guardians should consider mimicing it at some point over the next six months.

Move: Trading for second baseman Brandon Lowe

Lowe, who the Pirates acquired from the Rays, is coming off of his best offensive season since 2021.

Last season, Lowe hit .256 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI, which is great production from second base. Although adding a bat of his caliber seems like a no brainer, there are also multiple flaws in his game — with the biggest one being that he grades out as one of the worst fielders in baseball.

He's also entering the final season of his current contract, which means he's a pure rental. If he struggles the Pirates will likely move on, but if he excels he'll demand more on the open market and end up elsewhere.

Is it a move the Guardians should mirror?

Adding a quality bat is very rarely a negative. Cleveland shouldn't do a carbon copy move, but a similar move would make a lot of sense. A comparable move that would make sense is trading for Angels outfielder Jo Adell, who is coming off of a career year. The main difference with this move and the one the Pirates made for Lowe is that he would come with additional year of team control.

Move: Signing outfielder Ryan O’Hearn

O'Hearn is also come off a career year, as he hit 17 home runs across 144 games with the Orioles and Padres and was rewarded in free agency with a 2-year deal worth $29 million. The move gives Pittsburgh a quality bat to slide into their lineup while also providing the flexibility of being able to play both first base and the outfield. 

Should Cleveland mirror it?

O’Hearn is the exact type of player that fans have wanted for the last few offseasons in Cleveland: A quality bat that would not break the bank. If Cleveland could sign the right handed version of O’Hearn, it would be a great move. Unfortunately there are no free agents that fit the bill left. The closest option may be trading for O’Hearn's former teammate Ryan Mountcastle (who they could also sign to an extension).

Move: Signing designated hitter Marcell Ozuna

It wasn't that long ago that Ozuna was one of the best designated hitters in all of baseball. However, he's coming off one of the worst years of his career and has a history of problems off the field. A terrible fielder, Ozuna is going to be the Pirates everyday designated hitter despite being signed to a one-year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2027. 

Should Cleveland mirror it?

Absolutely not. If a player can't play the field then they either need to be an elite bat or be someone who would be okay taking the day off when José Ramírez needs a day off his feet at designted hitter.

There are very few players who meet the first part of that equation, and none of whom who are available. A best option still available in free agency ironically is Pittsburgh legend Andrew McCutchen. Although he's not an elite bat anymore, he would be a solid option against lefties and would likely be open to taking days off when someone else needs the DH spot. 

Overall, neither the Pirates or the Guardians have been as aggressive as Pittsburgh's front office was this offseason.

Even if it doesn't end up working out for the Pirates, they've put out a blueprint for how the Guardians can add some offensive firepower in the future.