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.

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.

The New York Yankees are strategically reshaping their roster this offseason, having lost star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets. The team responded by acquiring Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt, and trading for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger. These additions have strengthened their pitching staff and improved their offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly at first base.

Despite these movements, the Yankees are still looking to fill a gap at second or third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is expected to transition back to second base after the departure of Gleyber Torres. With limited options available for third base, there is speculation around Pittsburgh Pirates' Ke'Bryan Hayes as a possible target. While Hayes struggled offensively in 2024, his defensive skills have earned him a reputation as a valuable player.