The Pittsburgh Pirates face a crossroads as they head towards the 2025 season with a stellar core of young talent, including All-Star Bryan Reynolds and Gold Glove winner Ke'Bryan Hayes, secured on team-friendly contracts. The presence of promising prospects like Oneil Cruz and Paul Skenes, combined with a remarkably low payroll, sets the stage for potential contention. Yet, the franchise remains hindered by ownership issues, particularly Bob Nutting's reluctance to invest in key free-agent acquisitions despite being on the brink of competitiveness in the NL Central.

With only a handful of players in arbitration and a projected payroll among the lowest in MLB, the Pirates missed opportunities to bolster their roster. While rivals like the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are seen as attainable, the Pirates' lack of offseason activity raises questions. The potential for a stronger 2025 season depends on whether the front office will take calculated risks to capitalize on their young talent's affordability and the competitive landscape of the division.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are adapting their outfield configuration this spring with the addition of Tommy Pham, aiming for better run prevention after a disappointing 2024 season. Manager Derek Shelton announced Pham will take on left field duties, allowing Bryan Reynolds to shift to right field. Reynolds, who has had limited experience there, enters 2025 carrying a negative defensive record since his Gold Glove finalist season in 2021. Pham, a seasoned player, hopes to bring stability to left field, where he performed admirably last season without errors.

The Pirates struggled defensively last year, evident in their bottom-five DRS and OAA metrics. The organization is banking on these changes to enhance their overall defensive play and protect their pitching staff more effectively. Pham's veteran presence, combined with Reynolds' adjustment, could be pivotal for the team's success in the upcoming season.

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.

Tommy Pham, the seasoned outfielder, has signed a one-year contract worth $4,025,000 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking his 10th Major League team. At 37, Pham's experience is critical for a Pirates squad that has been relatively quiet this offseason, aside from re-signing Andrew McCutchen and trading for Spencer Horwitz. With Pham joining Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh's outfield looks to gain depth and versatility.

Last season, Pham played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas City Royals, posting a .248 batting average with 20 doubles, 9 home runs, and 39 RBIs. His extensive career has spanned several teams, providing him with unique insights and adaptability that the Pirates will aim to leverage in their pursuit of success.

Tommy Pham has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates valued at $4,025,000. This makes it his 10th Major League team in an 11-year career, where he has played for multiple franchises. Pham, who batted .248 last season, joins the Pirates during a quiet offseason for the team that also recently re-signed Andrew McCutchen and brought in Spencer Horwitz. This acquisition enhances Pittsburgh's outfield options alongside Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.