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Pirates Free Agents: Full List of Players Heading Into 2026 Offseason
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- Pirates Free Agents: Full List of Players Heading Into 2026 Offseason
Pirates Free Agents: Full List of Players Heading Into 2026 Offseason originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh . Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the 2026-27 MLB offseason with several decisions to make as they look to build on their progress and put together a more competitive roster for next season.
Pittsburgh has three notable players heading into free agency: second baseman Brandon Lowe, left-handed reliever Gregory Soto and right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates.
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Lowe and Soto are eligible to explore the open market after completing their respective contracts, while Yates announced his retirement following the conclusion of the regular season.
Here's a look at the Pirates players heading into free agency, including their contract situations and performances during the 2026 campaign.
Pirates Free Agents 2026
Brandon Lowe
Brandon Lowe is one of the biggest names among Pittsburgh's upcoming free agents after making an immediate impact in his first season with the Pirates.
Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in an offseason trade, Lowe appeared in 150 games in 2026, batting .260 with 35 home runs, 96 RBIs and an .824 OPS. He also established himself defensively at second base, earning a National League Gold Glove finalist spot.
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Lowe played out the final season of his contract and is now eligible for free agency. The Pirates will have to decide whether to pursue a reunion with one of their most productive hitters.
Gregory Soto
Gregory Soto joined Pittsburgh on a one-year, $7.75 million contract in December 2025, giving the Pirates an experienced left-handed option in their bullpen.
The 31-year-old appeared in 69 games , posting a 6-5 record with a 3.63 ERA across 67 innings. He also recorded 79 strikeouts and converted 16 of 22 save opportunities.
Soto's contract has expired, making him a free agent heading into the offseason. Pittsburgh will have to determine whether to bring the reliever back or look elsewhere for bullpen help.
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Kirby Yates (retired)
Kirby Yates appears on the MLBPA's 2026 free-agent list because his contract expired, but the veteran reliever announced his retirement earlier this year.
The Pirates acquired Yates from the Los Angeles Angels ahead of the trade deadline . He appeared in 15 games with Pittsburgh , recording a 2-0 record and a 1.80 ERA across 15 innings. Between both teams, he finished with a 3.19 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings.
Yates wrapped up his 12-year MLB career with 518 appearances, 101 saves and a 3.35 ERA. He was a two-time All-Star and led the majors with 41 saves in 2019.
