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Jason Mackey's MLB winter meetings chat: 12.11.25
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Jason Mackey
11:32
Hello and welcome to my weekly chat. Headline says winter meetings, although you're welcome to ask about the Penguins, too. I've been covering both. But a lot to discuss. You know the drill. We'll get going at noon.
11:59
And away we go ...
Momo
11:59
Do you think Pirate management really thinks that the fan base believes one word management says?
Jason Mackey
12:01
I think they're aware of the distrust or frustration that exists, yes. But what do you want them to say that they're not saying? Not sure it's their words that offend you as much as their actions -- or lack of them. My opinion: It's all noise until they act.
Les Lee
12:01
Did the Pirates make a sincere offer to Schwaber, or did they make it knowing he wouldn't accept it?
Jason Mackey
12:02
It was sincere. 4 years, $125 million. Higher AAV than he wound up getting. I don't know if they had the opportunity to go to a fifth year. But I don't see that offer as insincere.
Redbeard
12:02
Is there anything new on Keller other than the “still might deal from pitching” type stuff
Jason Mackey
12:04
You nailed it. Here's what I know:

They need bats. They're also getting a lot of calls on pitching. Comes down to return. If they can improve their MLB lineup in a demonstrative way, I think they would be amenable to trading Keller. If they can't, or there are questions, then it probably makes more sense to keep Mitch and buy hitting.

Just depends on what teams are willing to offer.
Les Lee
12:04
Who is the best fit available free agent left for the Pirates?
Jason Mackey
12:04
Free agent-wise, I would say Eugenio Suarez. Played a position of need. Does something (hits homers) that they don't have. I wish he hit left-handed, but you can't have anything. Jorge Polanco also makes sense.
Redbeard
12:05
Any indication they have interest in Murakami?  His window closes soon and there has been almost zero buzz for a guy of his pedigree?
Jason Mackey
12:06
They have interest in Murakami & Okamoto. I would respectfully disagree on the "buzz" angle, though. Doesn't strike me as a ton different than others in the past. Will come down to preferences, opportunity, money, chance to win, all that stuff.
Matt
12:06
Rumors surrounding Brandon Lowe being a Pirates trade destination are starting to pick up.

What does a possible package look like for him? Do the Pirates move Nick Gonzales if they do acquire a 2nd baseman?
Jason Mackey
12:08
They might, yes. That could be to third. Doubt it's to SS. Lowe has some flexibility, though not a ton. I also don't care. Lowe had 31 homers and was an All-Star last year. You make room for that.

Separately, I'd keep an eye on Lowe. Makes a ton of sense. A name I've heard a bunch.
12:09
Oh, trade return. Not sure exactly, but the Rays love their projectable minor leagues, especially pitching. Sterling? Mueth? I'm kinda spitballing, but younger/upside guys carry weight with orgs like Tampa.
Sweaty Ken
12:09
has there been any rumblings about looking at Eugenio Suarez or JT Realmuto? Production from 3B and C were issues last year and both would be a big boost to the offense!
Jason Mackey
12:11
I know they checked on Realmuto, but I don't see much momentum/steam/smoke/whatever there. I think it's smarter for them to spend money other places.

Suarez is different. Definitely someone on their list.
Wayward
12:11
Jason, Enjoyed your, and Colin's winter meeting summary today.  In the section where it is mentioned who the Pirates have expressed interest in, the bulk were infielders with just 2 OF's (Kwan & Duran) mentioned.  Is this any kind of sign of their priorities positionally, or just a coincidence?
Jason Mackey
12:12
Thank you for the kind words. It is not a sign of their priorities positionally. I'd say coincidence or randomness.

They know they need a couple bats. I'm confident saying that. Won't say that it doesn't matter what position. But I don't think they'll let that be an impediment.
Jim
12:12
Hello Jason, hope you are well sir.I have to admit, my mind was blown that the Bucs offer to Schwarber was legit and in the ballpark of the one he accepted. My question, who is left that they could justify a huge contract like that, who would be a huge additon to this club?
Jason Mackey
12:14
A bunch, Jim. Jorge Polanco, Eugenio Suarez ... shoot, why not make a run at Cody Bellinger? They might. Harrison Bader, Max Kepler ... not even bringing up trades ... there's still a lot they can do.
Frank from Delray
12:15
Just reviewing which teams made the playoffs and total roster WAR, Bucs need to add at least 10 WAR to have a chance to make the playoffs; chances improve from there. Ozuna (DH)+ Bader =~10. Comments??
Jason Mackey
12:16
I'd have no issue there, though I'd hope for more than 10 WAR, honestly. I wanna see Cruz & Reynolds produce more. Davis needs to hit. Full season of Chandler.

I'd be good with Ozuna & Bader. Don't know if I see them combining for 10 WAR, but you should have others. They could certainly afford those two.
Dan N
12:16
Jason would the Orioles seem like an ideal trade partner for the Bucs now that Alonso is there? Montcastle Mayo Colton all nice bats to acquire..Also with all the rumors about first baseman being acquired and assuming they’re movie Horowitz to second where does that leave Nicky G ?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Couple things, Dan. They're not moving Horwitz. Or at least they don't want to. Both Ben Cherington and Don Kelly talked about how much they like him at 1B. Though, I'm not dumb, the right move, they'll go back on that. Anyway ...

Yes, the Orioles make a good trade partner. Get asked this a lot. Jordan Westburg is actually my preference there. I don't know why something hasn't gotten done, but Alonso, I would imagine, makes it at least a little more likely.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:17
Hi Jason! Thanks for the chats! Do the Pirates really think that we are buying into the myth they are spending big money this off season to upgrade our team? We have seen this movie before. All talk and no action. "Oh, we just missed out on player x" type of excuse. Do you believe they are going to make substantial signings this winter?
Jason Mackey
12:19
Don't know what to tell you. No offense, but it doesn't matter. These things two:

  1. People unaffiliated with the Pirates -- agents who don't have to like the Pirates and often don't -- have been impressed by their activity so far.
  2. What they say or interest they show is useless until they actually do something. That's the only way fan sentiment will change.
Matt
12:19
Any murmurs on the FA outfield market? Yaz would have been a nice Platoon fit. Doesn’t seem to be much left.
Jason Mackey
12:21
I don't see it that way, Matt. Bellinger would smart. Don't know if he would sign with them. I've mentioned Bader & Kepler a bunch. Conforto, too. I realize those guys aren't franchise-altering, but they're FAs who would make sense. Bleday, too.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:21
Will Cruz, Keller or Reynolds be dangled as a possible trade pieces? They need bats and the Pirates probably want to shed some salary.
Jason Mackey
12:21
No on Cruz and Reynolds. They're listening on Keller. They don't want to, but if it nets an MLB-ready bat, they might have to.
Retire21
12:21
Why do I feel like these offers the Pirates are apparently making are like the guy who puts an opening bid of $1000 on a live auction item valued at $10,000 valued auction item just to say that he was in on it?
Jason Mackey
12:23
They offered a higher AAV ($31.25 M) for Schwarber than he eventually signed for. The fifth year, yes. But did they get the chance to match? If everything is at 4 years, but Schwarber says he'll stick with most recent team for 5 years, did the Pirates fail? Or did Schwarber just prefer to stay in Philly because they met his demands?
Jordan
12:23
So far, nothing has moved the needle for 2026. I know it’s early, but do you feel a business as usual Cherington off season coming?
Jason Mackey
12:23
I do not. I'm not saying I think they're going to be the talk of the baseball world. But I don't see their top FA signing being a Tommy Pham type for $4 million.
Wayward
12:23
Jason, in your mind who are some realistic OF targets?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Bader, Kepler, Conforto, Bleday ... would love Bellinger, though I find it tough to see him signing here ... trades: Kwan, Duran.
Aces High
12:26
What is plan B now that Schwarber is staying in Philly and Alonso went to Baltimore? Not that Pete was a good fit for the Pirates.
Jason Mackey
12:27
They've got a bunch. Depends on what lands. The 3 smartest, IMO: Suarez, Polanco and Lowe (trade). Yandy Diaz would also make sense. Steven Kwan. Don't sense Ketel Marte is an option, unfortunately.
Matt
12:27
What are we giving up in a Brandon Lowe trade?
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