Pirates predicted to sign 41-stolen base infielder to replace Brandon Lowe originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates was a step in the right direction. While they missed the postseason, the team played a lot better, and there's finally some long-term hope with this team.
However, Brandon Lowe is set to become a free agent, and there's a real chance he leaves on the open market for a massive contract elsewhere after a 35-homer campaign. If that happens, the Pirates will need to find a replacement for him.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report is predicting that, if Lowe leaves, the Pirates will sign free-agent infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who stole 41 bases for the New York Yankees this past season, and would be an expensive but quality pivot from Lowe this Winter.
Pirates predicted to replace Brandon Lowe with Jazz Chisholm Jr.
"With Lowe now headed for free agency, they need to add an infielder if they're going to chase this sudden surge of competence," Miller writes. "... Or maybe *record scratch* the Pirates sign one of the best free agents available in Jazz Chisholm Jr."
While the Pirates could try to replace Lowe with a trade for another rental infielder, or sign someone of lesser standing on the open market, this potential outcome would be a lot better for the Pirates.
After a lackluster 2026 season, where Chisholm's 41 stolen bases were paired with just 19 homers, a .231 batting average, and a .711 OPS, he could be someone who takes a one-year prove-it deal if his offers aren't great.
MORE: Yankees predicted to reunite with $22M three-time All-Star veteran to replace Jazz Chisholm
Miller projected an offer of "$30 million for one season" as the deal Pittsburgh could try offering Chisholm this offseason, which, while very expensive, would give them their Lowe replacement for 2027 and get them one foot in the door to a long-term deal.
Pittsburgh needs more offensive firepower, especially if Lowe ends up leaving in free agency. In such a scenario, Chisholm would make perfect sense.
He's a solid hitter with elite base-stealing ability. Add in his potential to hit 30-plus homers, and Chisholm would be a very intriguing signing for the Pirates.
Miller is predicting the Pirates will pivot from losing Lowe this offseason to Chisholm, signing him away from the New York Yankees, who could be a landing spot for Lowe this Winter.
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