The Kansas City Royals are seeking offensive reinforcements this offseason after a successful pitching performance led them to the 2024 American League Wild Card. While MVP finalist Bobby Witt Jr. shone, the rest of the lineup struggled to produce.

Max Rieper from SB Nation suggests that the Royals could target Connor Joe of the Pittsburgh Pirates as a potential leadoff hitter. Despite Joe's defensive limitations, his on-base skills could be beneficial for the Royals as they aim to enhance their offense for the 2025 season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates ended their three-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Yasmani Grandal's homer in the seventh tied the game, while Nick Gonzales secured the win with an eighth-inning single.

Pirates pitcher Luis Ortiz delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs and striking out seven in six innings. Aroldis Chapman secured his 10th save of the season.

Brendan Donovan had a productive night for the Cardinals, contributing a pair of RBIs.

The 2024 season was a challenging one for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished last in the NL Central and were eliminated from postseason contention by mid-September. Despite the struggles, the emergence of Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft, offered a glimmer of hope. He made a significant impact, earning an All-Star selection shortly after his debut.

Additionally, rookie Jared Jones proved to be a bright spot before injuries interrupted his season. However, significant issues plagued the team's bullpen, with closer David Bednar's performance dropping dramatically. The team also saw disappointing seasons from players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Jack Suwinski, prompting questions about their futures.

This offseason presents a crucial opportunity for the Pirates to address their weaknesses and build for a competitive 2025. Their rotation, led by Skenes, Jones, and Mitch Keller, shows promise, but bolstering the bullpen and infield will be necessary. With a clear need for improvement, ownership must decide whether to invest in key free agents as part of their rebuilding efforts.

The Pittsburgh Pirates achieved a decisive series sweep against the Miami Marlins, winning 3-1 and dominating the season series.

The Pirates took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, catalyzed by a double from Bryan Reynolds. Jared Triolo's homer in the second sealed the victory.

Starting pitcher Bailey Falter earned his eighth win, showcasing a strong performance, while Miami's late run was too little to recover from.

Pittsburgh Pirates completed a season sweep over the Miami Marlins with a 3-1 victory, fueled by a strong performance from left-hander Bailey Falter, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

Falter recorded five strikeouts, but was relieved after allowing a couple of hits later in the game. David Bednar struggled in the ninth but ultimately secured the win, with Jalen Beeks earning the save. The Marlins, suffering their seventh consecutive loss to the Pirates this season, continue to struggle against Pittsburgh.