Pittsburgh Pirates seek Luis Arráez to bolster struggling batting lineup
The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves at a critical juncture as they prepare for the 2026 season, with a glaring need for offensive firepower. In an effort to turn their fortunes around, the team is eyeing one of the most prolific hitters in recent Major League Baseball history: Luis Arráez of the San Diego Padres. According to Jim Bowden’s analysis of the top 50 free agents this offseason, Arráez is not only ranked as the 30th best free agent, but the Pirates are also identified as a potential landing spot for the talented first baseman.
Why the Pirates Need Luis Arráez
Arráez represents the kind of consistent, reliable bat that the Pirates desperately require. Over the past few seasons, he has established himself as a formidable offensive presence, earning accolades as a three-time MLB batting champion and three-time All-Star. His prowess at the plate has been recognized with two Silver Slugger Awards, showcasing his ability to maintain high performance across three different teams: the Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, and now the Padres from 2022 to 2024.
In stark contrast, the Pirates’ offensive struggles have been well-documented. They finished the previous season among the league’s worst in several key batting metrics. Pittsburgh recorded the lowest slugging percentage in baseball at .350 and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of just .655, which also ranked at the bottom. Their batting average of .231 placed them third from the bottom, and their on-base percentage of .305 was equally disappointing.
Additionally, the Pirates scored a meager 583 runs, which was the lowest in the league, and their 561 RBIs placed them at the bottom of the barrel, trailing even the struggling Colorado Rockies. The team also hit a league-low 117 home runs, significantly behind the second-lowest team, the St. Louis Cardinals, who managed 148. To compound matters, the Pirates were among the top teams in strikeouts, racking up 1,422.
A Solution to Pittsburgh’s Offensive Woes
By signing Arráez, the Pirates would not only enhance their batting average but also gain a player adept at getting on base and igniting offensive rallies. His versatility is an added bonus; he’s not limited to first base, having also played second base and even left field earlier in his career—a position that currently lacks a defined starter for the Pirates heading into next season.
As the Pirates look to revitalize their lineup, the addition of a player of Arráez’s caliber could be a game-changer. His track record of excellence makes him a prime target in free agency, and if the Pirates successfully secure his services, it could mark a significant turning point for the franchise as they strive for competitiveness in the upcoming season.
