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Jason Mackey's MLB winter meetings chat: 12.11.25
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MUNKEEFIST
1:06
Has there been any conversation on Horwitz shifting to second base to (hopefully) bring in a little more pop to first base? Also, any guesses on who might play the hot corner this year? Thanks for the chat!!
Jason Mackey
1:07
No. I think the most likely outcome -- at least as of this writing -- is Horwitz at first.

I'd still prefer Suarez. They have the money to do it, too.

And, you're welcome. Thank you for participating!
Commissioner
1:07
Would you say the main positions the Pirates would like to fill either through trade or free agency are 2b, 3b and left or right field?
Jason Mackey
1:08
The most obvious are 3B and LF. But, they have some flexibility. If they line up on a 2B, they can move Gonzales. He also doesn't HAVE to play. Has a .675 career OPS, .661 last season. That doesn't guarantee playing time.
Mark Topoleski
1:08
Odds of a salary cap/floor? Odds of a lockout beyond a few weeks like a few years ago?
Jason Mackey
1:09
Low and high, IMO. The sport needs one. Don't get me wrong. I just think you would need a lot to change the current thinking within baseball, and I'm not sure there's the momentum to make that happen.

I think there's probably an attempt, but it ends with everyone wanting to make money and putting crap around the current system so it LOOKS like something was done.
That’s It, Fort Pitt
1:09
Who hits leadoff? I’d like to see Chandler Simpson acquired with Lowe, and let him take that role as either LF or CF (Cruz’s issues are easier to overcome in RF), but on the 40 man roster currently, there isn’t really a traditional or non-traditional leadoff hitter. Is it Griffin?
Jason Mackey
1:10
This obviously depends on who they get. But I'd like to see Griffin or Cruz do it. I may start with Cruz to see if it helps him. Need to get more out of him in 2026, and I want Griffin -- at least to start -- to just worry about being himself. Don't wanna put that pressure on right away, though his play might tell me he can handle it. Which would be great. But I wouldn't start there.
That’s It, Fort Pitt
1:10
I think a DH/1B platoon of Reynolds, Horwitz, and Cutch makes a lot of sense, especially if they get 2 OFs. Any rumblings of that 3 headed approach to the 2 positions?
Jason Mackey
1:11
You could see those guys rotate DH at-bats, sure. That's if they don't sign someone. But I don't see Reynolds or Cutch as serious options at first base. I could see Bart being one, a right-handed-hitting complement to get him in there against lefties.
Henry Hill
1:11
Apologies for not knowing the off-season signing and trade deadlines, but when do you think we'll know when/if the Pirates make the moves for the players you've mentioned? I would assume other teams are looking to sign those players as well, so sooner rather than later?
Jason Mackey
1:12
I think the Pirates will at least do something by Christmas -- Ben, if you're reading this, notice I did not say ON CHRISTMAS. New Year's at the latest. You can do something there if you need to get it out on a holiday.
That’s It, Fort Pitt
1:12
Is Griffins at SS set in stone, or could that be more fluid, like sign Bichette or someone for SS and move Griffin to CF, which I read he prefers to play? Could that move to CF be the sweetener to get the long term contract signed?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I don't think they would sign anyone to block him. Outlined my approach before on having him earn it in spring. It would be silly to stop him. But I wouldn't create a scenario where he's blocked or shifts to center. Has become a very good SS and adds a ton of offensive value there.
Commissioner
1:13
Other than Skenes, do the Pirates consider anyone else untouchable?
Jason Mackey
1:14
No, I don't. There are obviously high bars for some guys. But completely, 1,000% untouchable? No.
MUNKEEFIST
1:14
Is there a timeline or plan for Murashov to take over the crease? Is Jarry a potential trade candidate or potential back-up even at his price? I'm sure they want Murashov to get reps, but how long can they keep him in the AHL?
Jason Mackey
1:14
I don't get the sense they would bring him up to back up Jarry. I think it would be contingent on a Jarry trade. If Edmonton makes the offer sweet enough, I could see the Penguins moving Jarry and bringing Murashov up. But it would only be as their No. 1.
1:16
OK, folks. Thanks so much for doing this. A lot of great questions this week. Talk to you next week from Ottawa. May need to go a little later because of the morning skate.
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