The Pittsburgh Pirates are adapting their outfield configuration this spring with the addition of Tommy Pham, aiming for better run prevention after a disappointing 2024 season. Manager Derek Shelton announced Pham will take on left field duties, allowing Bryan Reynolds to shift to right field. Reynolds, who has had limited experience there, enters 2025 carrying a negative defensive record since his Gold Glove finalist season in 2021. Pham, a seasoned player, hopes to bring stability to left field, where he performed admirably last season without errors.

The Pirates struggled defensively last year, evident in their bottom-five DRS and OAA metrics. The organization is banking on these changes to enhance their overall defensive play and protect their pitching staff more effectively. Pham's veteran presence, combined with Reynolds' adjustment, could be pivotal for the team's success in the upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have faced criticism for their lack of spending in the offseason, with their last multi-year free agent signing dating back to 2016 when they acquired starting pitcher Iván Nova. This long gap underscores a broader trend among MLB teams, as the Pirates stand alone in refraining from signing free agents to multi-year contracts in recent years.

Owner Bob Nutting's reluctance to sell the team and GM Ben Cherington's limited external acquisitions since 2019 have left many fans frustrated. Despite extending key players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds, the lack of investment in free agency raises questions about the future of emerging talents like Oneil Cruz and Paul Skenes, potentially hindering the Pirates' prospects.

Tommy Pham, the seasoned outfielder, has signed a one-year contract worth $4,025,000 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking his 10th Major League team. At 37, Pham's experience is critical for a Pirates squad that has been relatively quiet this offseason, aside from re-signing Andrew McCutchen and trading for Spencer Horwitz. With Pham joining Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh's outfield looks to gain depth and versatility.

Last season, Pham played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas City Royals, posting a .248 batting average with 20 doubles, 9 home runs, and 39 RBIs. His extensive career has spanned several teams, providing him with unique insights and adaptability that the Pirates will aim to leverage in their pursuit of success.

Tommy Pham has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates valued at $4,025,000. This makes it his 10th Major League team in an 11-year career, where he has played for multiple franchises. Pham, who batted .248 last season, joins the Pirates during a quiet offseason for the team that also recently re-signed Andrew McCutchen and brought in Spencer Horwitz. This acquisition enhances Pittsburgh's outfield options alongside Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.

The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves at the center of a debate regarding Major League Baseball's financial structure, specifically the potential introduction of a salary floor. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested a minimum payroll of $100 to $120 million as part of the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, which would impose penalties on teams like the Pirates that fail to meet this threshold. Currently, the Pirates' payroll is projected at just $63.71 million for 2025, ranking among the lowest in the league. This represents a decline from last season's $84.05 million.

With only limited moves in free agency—re-signing Andrew McCutchen and adding lefty Caleb Ferguson—the Pirates' commitment to spending on player acquisitions has been questioned. Fans hope that a salary floor might compel the franchise to invest more in proven free agents, enhancing the team around promising talents like Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds, and Ke'Bryan Hayes. The proposal aims to create a more competitive landscape and provide a financial incentive for teams to invest in their rosters.