Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 offseason, the Pirates will likely remain active in the market as they continue to shape their roster for the future. One of the biggest questions will be how the team addresses its pitching staff. While Skenes' development gives hope, the Pirates will need to find another ace or two to complement him. The free-agent market offers a few intriguing options, with pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Sonny Gray likely available. A trade for a veteran starter could also be on the horizon, especially given the team’s deep farm system and trade assets.

Offensively, the Pirates will need to find more consistency. Adding another power bat to the lineup, particularly in the outfield or at first base, could be a priority. Names like Cody Bellinger, who will be a free agent, could be a potential target to add depth to the outfield and provide more protection for Reynolds.

In addition to the trade and free-agent possibilities, the Pirates will continue to focus on player development. Young players like Hayes, Cruz, and other minor-league prospects will be expected to take a step forward in 2025. The development of Skenes and the maturation of other young pitchers will also be crucial to the Pirates' success moving forward.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown flashes of promise in recent seasons, with emerging stars like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds leading the charge. The 2024 season is poised to be another pivotal year for the Pirates, as they aim to build on their strong foundation and push toward contention. With an active offseason already underway, including key signings and trades, the Pirates could further solidify their roster by addressing certain weaknesses and adding depth in critical areas. Speculating on the next steps, the following moves could put them in an even better position to compete in the NL Central and, eventually, for a playoff spot.

1. Improving the Starting Rotation: A Veteran Presence

The Pirates’ starting rotation in 2024 will rely heavily on young arms like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Roansy Contreras, and JT Brubaker. While Keller showed promise last season, there’s still room for improvement and stability in the rotation. To complement their young staff, the Pirates could look to add a veteran starting pitcher with a proven track record of success.

A move for a pitcher like Michael Wacha, who is coming off a solid year and offers valuable experience, could provide leadership to the younger players while stabilizing the back end of the rotation. Alternatively, the Pirates might explore trades for established pitchers who can offer innings and experience during the dog days of summer. With an eye on the long-term development of their rotation, a veteran starter could offer both immediate value and mentorship for their up-and-coming arms.

2. Bolstering the Bullpen: High-Impact Arms

While the Pirates have a decent bullpen with key contributors like David Bednar and Wil Crowe, their relief corps could use another high-impact arm to solidify the back end. A reliable setup man or a second closer could give the Pirates the ability to compete in close games and make crucial plays in the postseason.

A move for a proven bullpen arm like Scott Barlow from the Kansas City Royals, or even a veteran setup man like Andrew Chafin, would allow the Pirates to strengthen their late-game options. Given the importance of bullpen depth in today’s game, making an investment in this area could pay big dividends, especially down the stretch when games become more critical.

3. Adding Power to the Lineup: A Middle-of-the-Order Bat

The Pirates’ offense, while showing promise with players like Reynolds, Cruz, and Ke'Bryan Hayes, still lacks that middle-of-the-order power bat to protect their young stars and drive in runs. With Reynolds and Cruz providing the dynamic talent, adding a slugger who can consistently hit for power would give the Pirates a much-needed balance in their offense.

The team could explore trade options or free-agent signings for players like J.D. Martinez, Justin Turner, or even Mitch Haniger—veteran hitters with a knack for power who could slot into the middle of the Pirates’ lineup. This addition would help provide protection for their top hitters while giving the team more depth and flexibility in high-leverage situations.

4. Pursuing an Outfield Upgrade: Versatility and Depth

While the Pirates have Reynolds and Cruz in the outfield, there’s still room for additional depth and versatility. With an injury-prone history and a lack of proven options beyond their top stars, adding a reliable outfielder with defensive prowess and offensive upside would give the Pirates more flexibility and depth in the outfield.

The Pirates could look to sign or trade for players who have experience in multiple outfield spots. Players like AJ Pollock, who can contribute both offensively and defensively, or even a younger, versatile player like Bryan De La Cruz, could help improve the Pirates’ outfield depth while offering more protection for their key stars.

5. Exploring Trade Opportunities: Moving for Impact Players

While the Pirates could focus on free-agent signings, one of the most effective ways to add talent and fill specific needs is through trades. As they look to compete in the NL Central, the Pirates may explore trading their surplus assets for upgrades. For instance, the Pirates have a deep farm system, which could allow them to trade for proven MLB talent.

A trade for an established star at a key position, like shortstop or catcher, could instantly improve the Pirates’ playoff chances. The Pirates could look to target teams that are in rebuilding mode and willing to part with veterans. Players like Pablo Lopez from the Miami Marlins or William Contreras from the Atlanta Braves could provide solid returns in exchange for some of the Pirates' top prospects, further strengthening their quest for postseason contention.

6. Monitoring the Trade Deadline for a Final Push

Given the unpredictability of the season, the Pirates should remain flexible and aggressive during the trade deadline. If they find themselves in contention for a wild-card spot, they could make a final push for a player or two to help the team in critical moments. This could be a starting pitcher or another bat who can help round out the roster. The Pirates have shown that they are willing to make moves, and the trade deadline provides them with an opportunity to bolster their roster for the final stretch of the season.

As the deadline approaches, the Pirates could target a starting pitcher or a position player who fits into their plans for 2024 and beyond. This could be another impact player, who could be available if the Cubs falter or an ace-level pitcher if the Pirates are in need of one more arm to push them over the edge.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have laid a solid foundation for the 2024 season, but there are still several areas where they could improve to make a serious postseason push. Adding another veteran pitcher, bolstering the bullpen, and acquiring a middle-of-the-order bat should be at the top of their wish list. Furthermore, if the Pirates continue to develop their young talent and remain competitive, the trade deadline offers an opportunity to further enhance their roster with impact players.

With the right moves, the Pirates could find themselves back in the postseason for the first time in over a decade. The front office has shown they are committed to building a contender, and with some strategic signings and trades, the Pirates can take the next step in their journey to becoming a perennial playoff team.