Pirates Should Go After All-Star Reliever to Bolster 2027 Bullpen

The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to put together a nice 2026 season, even with the team failing to qualify for the postseason.

Pittsburgh ended the year with a record of 82-80 for the season, falling short of breaking the long postseason drought. But even with this, there is a lot to be excited about for the Pirates going forward.

This team has a nice collection of young talent on the roster, and multiple players seemed to take steps forward in development this past season. Pittsburgh will now be entering the offseason looking to add to the team, but how the front office decides to go about this could determine everything for 2027.

With the improvement that the Pirates had this past season, the front office has to spend some money this offseason. If they go against the grain to spend even a little, it could give the roster enough firepower to go after a postseason spot next year.

One area that could be improved is the bullpen , and this could help out the team in multiple different ways. Pittsburgh has a good core of starting pitchers, but the bullpen could use some work this winter.

As the Pirates search for ways to improve the relievers, one name that could make a lot of sense is veteran left-hander Adrian Morejon. Morejon has spent his career with the San Diego Padres so far, and he is now hitting free agency, with multiple teams expected to go after him.

The Padres will likely try to retain him, but the Pirates should look to try to poach him this offseason. The left-hander has put together multiple strong seasons for the Padres over the years, with him being a key relief option in late-game situations.

Last season, Morejon posted a 2.83 ERA over 76 appearances for the Padres, while striking out 107 batters over 86.0 innings of work. The left-hander also was able to save three games for San Diego, and he was one of the more trusted guys in a dominant bullpen.

While Morejon could cost the Padres to open the checkbook a little bit, he could be just what this team needs. Pittsburgh has a closer for next season, with lefty Mason Montgomery emerging this year, but Morejon could give them a nice one-two punch.

Teams that have strong bullpen units tend to do well come playoff time, and the Pirates should try to emulate other staffs. Spending money on Morejon could be a risk, like any signing, but his continued dominance on the mound could offer some relief.

Overall, this could be a good move for the Pirates to consider, even if it may be unlikely due to the price tag. But Morejon could be the splash signing that Pittsburgh has been waiting for.