Pittsburgh Pirates eye free-agent opportunities amid changing revenue landscape
The Pittsburgh Pirates have long been criticized for their conservative approach to payroll, but recent offseason chatter suggests they might be setting their sights on high-profile free agents such as Josh Naylor and Kyle Schwarber. While some fans remain skeptical, fearing the familiar refrain of empty promises, others believe there’s a genuine opportunity for the Pirates to exceed offseason expectations this year.
Potential shifts in revenue-sharing dynamics
In a recent discussion on the potential for smaller-market teams to make significant moves this offseason, prominent sports agent Seth Levinson shared insights with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Levinson indicated that changing dynamics surrounding the Major League Baseball (MLB) collective bargaining agreement (CBA) could significantly impact how teams approach player acquisitions.
“There is a possibility of a fight among clubs over revenue sharing, with the smaller markets seeing a greater contribution,” Levinson noted. This suggests that the Pirates, benefiting from these revenue-sharing measures, might be motivated to make a splash in free agency to showcase their commitment to improving the team.
A new competitive landscape
Levinson’s commentary highlights a potential shift in the competitive landscape of MLB, where smaller-market teams could vie for talent in a way that has not been seen in recent years. The underlying motivation for this strategy is to demonstrate to larger-market teams—often referred to as “payors”—that they are investing in their rosters.
“The payors will argue that insufficient revenue-sharing funds are being spent on player acquisition,” Levinson explained. This could prompt teams like the Pirates to pursue talent aggressively, hoping to convince both their fan base and their larger-market counterparts of their dedication to creating a more competitive product.
Current revenue-sharing insights
Rosenthal also weighed in on the current state of revenue sharing for small-market teams, including the Pirates. He suggested that the Pirates likely receive a revenue-sharing package similar to that of teams like the Miami Marlins and the Oakland Athletics. While those franchises might receive around $70 million, the Pirates could see a comparable amount, albeit potentially less.
The implications for Pirates owner Bob Nutting are significant. Rosenthal speculated that under a revised CBA, Nutting’s tenure as owner could be jeopardized if a salary floor were implemented, with estimates placing that floor between $120 and $130 million—far exceeding the Pirates’ typical payroll of approximately $84 million.
In light of these evolving financial conditions, the Pirates find themselves at a crossroads. The combination of potential revenue-sharing increases and the necessity to improve their competitive standing could lead to an offseason unlike any seen in recent memory. As fans watch closely, the coming months will reveal whether the Pirates can indeed turn whispers of big-name pursuits into reality.
