December has proved to be a transformative month in Major League Baseball as several notable players change teams, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season. The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Cody Bellinger, who brings a three-year, $60 million contract from the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger is expected to strengthen the Yankees' lineup as he aims to recapture his previous form and benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium.

Willy Adames is another player on the move, joining the San Francisco Giants on a seven-year, $182 million deal after a breakout season with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is set to fill the shortstop position, providing stability and power to the Giants’ batting order.

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Max Kepler, who will take on a new role in left field after a decade with the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres has left the Yankees for a one-year, $15 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, bringing his offensive skills to a young team that seeks his experience. Lastly, Spencer Horwitz is expected to contribute to the Pittsburgh Pirates after showcasing his potential in 2024. All these moves promise an intriguing fantasy baseball landscape for the upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, fresh from two consecutive 76-86 seasons, were expected to strengthen their lineup this offseason with impactful bats. Thus far, they have only secured Spencer Horwitz, a left-handed first baseman from the Toronto Blue Jays, raising questions about his consistency due to limited big league experience. While their starting rotation boasts promising young talents like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Mitch Keller, frustration mounts over the lack of aggressive moves to bolster their offense. Analysts argue that the Pirates missed opportunities to acquire proven hitters, like Anthony Santander, who recently signed a significant contract with the Blue Jays. Fans express disappointment at the franchise’s reluctance to invest in free agency, which could dramatically enhance the team's competitiveness.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised for the 2025 season with a solid group of starting pitchers but are looking to enhance their rotation by potentially signing Jakob Junis. As they prepare for an open competition for the fifth starter position, top pitching prospects like Bubba Chandler will be in the mix.

With the recent trade involving Luis L. Ortiz and Spencer Horwitz, the Pirates have room to strengthen their pitching depth. Junis, who had a strong 2024 season with a 2.69 ERA, could provide both a starting option and bullpen flexibility.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the cusp of contention in the National League, bolstered by a promising young pitching duo, Paul Skenes and Jared Jones. However, their lack of offensive support raises concerns about their competitiveness. Former MLB executive Jim Bowden suggested the Pirates need to emulate successful trades, citing the Arizona Diamondbacks' acquisition of Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians as a missed opportunity for Pittsburgh.

Despite acquiring Spencer Horwitz from the Guardians earlier this offseason, the Pirates' offensive struggles persist, as they ranked low in key statistical categories last season. Bowden criticized their quiet offseason approach, urging ownership to invest in supporting their stellar pitching staff.