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MLBTR Free Agent Predictions: Pirates Landing Spot 4 Times; Lowe Contract Projection
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- MLBTR Free Agent Predictions: Pirates Landing Spot 4 Times; Lowe Contract Projection
Brandon Lowe, Pittsburgh Pirates
Every year, MLB Trade Rumors releases a top 50 free agent list with predictions . This year, the Pirates are picked as the landing spot for several free agents on the list.
The biggest priority for the Pirates this winter will be attempting to re-sign Brandon Lowe, but there will be stuff competition. If Lowe lands elsewhere, Pittsburgh will be looking for another infielder to replace him. A right-handed bat, bullpen help and starting rotation depth are among other potential needs.
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How it Works
MLBTR lists its top 50 free agent predictions along with projected contract terms for each player. Three different writers — Anthony Franco, Darragh McDonald and Steve Adams — each give their predicted landing spot for each player on the list.
The Pirates are picked as a landing spot by at least one writer for four players in MLBTR's top 50.
11. 2B Brandon Lowe
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Contract predictions: 3 years, $69 million
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Predicted landing spots: Pirates, Yankees, Blue Jays
Lowe's first season in Pittsburgh was a huge success. He was named the team's MVP after pacing the offense with 35 home runs and 96 RBI. The 32-year-old also had a terrific season in the field and had 13 defensive runs saved and 15 outs above average.
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The largest free agent contract the Pirates ever gave a player was a three-year, $39 million deal to Francisco Liriano more than a decade ago. They'll need to shatter that if they re-sign Lowe. But he might be worth it.
* The Pirates extended a qualifying offer to Lowe on Monday .
39. INF J.P. Crawford
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Contract prediction: 2 years, $16 million
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Predicted landing spots: Pirates (x2), Angels
Crawford is a possible fallback if the Pirates fail to bring back Lowe. The 31-year-old has primarily played shortstop throughout his career but shifted over to third base during the 2026 season. He batted .221/.335/.352 batting line with 12 doubles, 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 116 games this season.
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Crawford has spent 10 seasons in the big-leagues and has been a slightly-above league-average performer at the plate. He owns a .245/.340/.367 batting line with 186 doubles, 15 triples, 81 home runs and 384 RBI in 1,046 games.
46. LHP JoJo Romero
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Contract prediction: 2 years, $13 million
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Predicted landing spots: Pirates, Twins, Royals
A left-handed reliever is arguably the second-biggest need for the Pirates behind Lowe/another infield bat. Romero is among the better options available in this year's free agent class.
The 30-year-old split the season between the Cardinals and Brewers and went 3-3 with a 3.36 ERA in 55 appearances. He struck out 54 batters and walked 18 in 56.1 innings. In seven seasons in the big-leagues, Romero is 18-14 with a 3.51 ERA and 12 saves in 252 relief appearances.
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50. LHP Robbie Ray
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Contract prediction: 1 year, $12 million
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Predicted landing spots: Pirates, Rockies, Astros
Mason Montgomery was the only left-handed pitcher to start a game for the Pirates in 2026. They could look to add a lefty starter to their rotation this winter, especially if they explore a trade for Mitch Keller.
Ray fits the mold of the veteran southpaw the Pirates have sought in the past. He went 13-8 with a 3.59 ERA in 31 appearances/30 starts between the Giants and Padres last season. The 35-year-old has twice been an All-Star (2017, 2025) and won the 2021 American League Cy Young with the Blue Jays.
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