The Pittsburgh Pirates are determined to leave their decline behind and become at least a competitive MLB team. They also want to maximize the generational talent of Paul Skenes – who, realistically, can’t win games single-handedly.
That’s why this MLB offseason they’ve focused on adding key reinforcements to improve their record and, potentially, chase a postseason berth.
In Pittsburgh, recent moves have included acquiring Brandon Lowe in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and signing power hitterRyan O’Hearn as a free agent to a two-year, $29 million contract.
But that won’t be enough – and now MLB rumors are beginning to swirl about the Pirates targeting one of the top remaining free agents, especially for an organization that finished near the bottom of several offensive categories, including home runs (117), runs scored (583), and RBI (561).
Cody Bellinger to the Pirates?
Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed on the Foul Territory Podcast that a “mystery team” could be interested in New York Yankees star outfielder Cody Bellinger – and that team may be the Pirates.
Bellinger is a nine-year MLB veteran who will turn 31 years old next season. Since debuting with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, he has established himself as one of baseball’s most complete and consistent hitters.
Over his career, Bellinger owns a .261 batting average, .334 OBP, .483 slugging percentage, and .817 OPS, along with 1,102 hits, 211 doubles, 28 triples, 225 home runs, and 695 RBI, plus 468 walks and 957 strikeouts.
He’s coming off a strong 2025 season with the Yankees, posting 29 home runs (the third-highest total of his career), 160 hits, 98 RBI, and 57 walks, all of which ranked as second-best career marks. His .272 batting average was also the third-highest of his MLB career.
Bellinger adds defensive versatility across all three outfield positions, having played 85 games in left field for the Yankees last season – a major need for Pittsburgh. He would also bring leadership, experience, and a strong clubhouse presence as the franchise looks to end its drought and return to the MLB postseason for the first time since 2015.
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