As the World Series approaches, 28 teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, are already gearing up for the offseason, determined to be among the final two standing next year. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers will face off in the championship series, but the league's attention will soon shift to the flurry of offseason moves that could reshape the landscape of the game.

Unlocking the Potential: Offseason Moves to Watch

Cody Bellinger: A Potential Game-Changer for the Pirates?

The Pirates could find themselves in the mix for Cody Bellinger, a versatile outfielder and first baseman who could address two key needs for the team. Bellinger's 2024 stats, which include a .266 batting average, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs, make him an enticing target. However, Bowden's prediction of a four-year, $112 million contract would be an unprecedented level of spending for the Pirates, making this a long-shot scenario. While Bellinger's skillset aligns perfectly with the Pirates' needs, the financial realities may prove to be a significant obstacle.

Ha-Seong Kim: Upgrading the Infield for the Pirates

The Pirates could also explore the possibility of signing Ha-Seong Kim, a versatile infielder who has experience at multiple positions, including a Gold Glove-winning season at second base. Kim's 2024 stats, which include a .233 batting average, 11 home runs, and 47 RBIs, along with 22 stolen bases, suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Pirates' lineup. Bowden's prediction of a one-year, $10 million contract with incentives could make this a more realistic option for the Pirates, especially if they are looking to upgrade their shortstop position.

Carlos Estévez: Bolstering the Pirates' Bullpen

In addition to strengthening their lineup, the Pirates will also focus on revamping their bullpen, which underperformed in 2024. Carlos Estévez, a right-handed reliever who recorded 26 saves and posted a 2.45 ERA in 55 innings, is one of the top relief arms on the market. Bowden's prediction of a three-year, $33 million contract for Estévez may be on the steep side for the Pirates, but his proven track record and ability to close games could make him a valuable addition to their pitching staff.

Exploring Veteran Pitching Options

While the Pirates' rotation may not require major overhaul, the offseason presents an opportunity to add veteran arms to the mix. Bowden has identified several notable free agent pitchers as potential targets for the Pirates, including Michael Wacha (3 years, $54 million), Luis Severino (2 years, $32 million), and José Quintana (2 years, $28 million). However, given the team's needs and their typically conservative approach to spending, these high-profile signings may not be a priority, at least not at the moment.

Navigating the Offseason Landscape

As the Pirates and other MLB teams gear up for the offseason, the focus will be on identifying the right mix of talent to bolster their rosters and position themselves for a deep playoff run in the coming season. While the World Series is still unfolding, the wheels are already in motion as teams strategize and make calculated moves to improve their chances of hoisting the championship trophy next year.