A surprising new rumor claims the Pittsburgh Pirates are in the chase for one of the top players still available in free agency.
Following a 71-91 finish to the 2025 there was a lot of speculation entering the offseason that Paul Skenes’ time in Pittsburgh could soon be ending. With the 23-year-old under team control for three more years, a potential trade could land the Pirates a king’s ransom and allow them to address multiple short and long-term needs in a deal.
However, early in the offseason, Pirates management shut down the idea of a trade and instead has been one of the most aggressive teams on the market. Making several notable moves to improve the roster.
They signed All-Star first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and traded for two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe. They also inked veteran reliever Gregory Soto to a contract and acquired high-potential Boston Red Sox outfielder Jhostynxon García. The moves proved they are serious about building a better roster around Skenes.
PIT Pirates in on Cody Bellinger?
Well, it looks like they may not be done and could be plotting their biggest move yet. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, he claims he’s heard “whispers” that the Pirates are one of the teams in on talented veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger.
The MLB insider added his belief that the two-time All-Star would prefer to stay in New York. Be it back with the New York Yankees, or to go crosstown to the New York Mets. Although he believes the team from Queens is unlikely to give him the five-year deal he is seeking.
Furthermore, he claims Bellinger is open to a return to his first time, the Los Angeles Dodgers, if he can’t reach an agreement with the two New York clubs.
Signing Cody Bellinger would be a huge investment for a PIT Pirates team that had an active payroll of $51 million last year — which was 24th in the MLB. However, he would be a great addition and further boost their chances of a playoff run in 2026.
