![\"Alec](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Bohm.jpeg\")
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If Brandon Lowe departs the Pirates in free agency, the logical move would be to shift Nick Gonzales back to second base. Gonzales had a solid season offensively but struggled mightily in his first season at the hot corner.<\/p>\n
If Gonzales does move back to his natural position next year, the Pirates will have an opening at the hot corner. In addition to wanting better defense than what Gonzales gave them, Pittsburgh would use the opening to add offense to make up for some of the production lost with Lowe signing elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately for the Pirates, the free agent third base market is relatively thin. While general manager Ben Cherington will explore all possibilities, it might be a better idea to pursue an addition via trade than free agency.<\/p>\n
But if the Pirates do decide to go after a free agent option, here are the notable names who will be available. <\/p>\n
Teruaki Sato<\/p>\n
2026 stats (NPB): .306\/.383\/.609, 40 doubles, three triples, 39 home runs, 106 RBI, eight steals, 143 games<\/p>\n
The top free agent third baseman this offseason comes from Japan via the international market. Sato has been posted by the Hanshin Tigers after winning the NPB triple crown. The 27-year-old bats left handed and has a high ceiling on offense. There are some questions about his defense, but any shortcomings will be easier to live with if he can produce the way many think he\u2019s capable of with the bat.<\/p>\n
J.P Crawford<\/p>\n
2026 stats: .221\/.335\/.352, 12 doubles, 14 home runs, 40 RBI, one steal, 0 DRS, -13 OAA, 116 games<\/p>\n
Crawford had been a shortstop for his entire career before shifting over to third base during his season with the Mariners. The 31-year-old fared better there than he did at short. Offensively, Crawford was essentially a league-average performer with a 99 OPS+. Despite a lower batting average than usual, his performance was largely in line with his career output.<\/p>\n
Alec Bohm<\/p>\n
2026 stats: .249\/.315\/.383, 29 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, 88 RBI, two steals, -10 DRS, -11 OAA, 155 games<\/p>\n
Bohm played in a career-high 155 games but had a down year for the Phillies. The 30-year-old had been a league-average or better performer at the plate for most of his big-league career but saw his batting average drop 30 points from his career mark entering the year. Bohm has never been a good defender in his career, and his struggles with the glove continued this year.<\/p>\n
Eugenio Su\u00e1rez<\/p>\n
2026 stats: .212\/.307\/.433, 18 doubles, 26 home runs, 74 RBI, one steal, -4 DRS, -7 OAA, 125 games<\/p>\n
The Pirates made a push to sign Su\u00e1rez last offseason before he opted to ink a deal with the Reds. The 35-year-old really only has one tool but he uses it well. The veteran third baseman is still capable of hitting the long ball and ranks 10th among active players with 351 for his career. <\/p>\n
Si Hwan Roh<\/p>\n
2026 stats (KBO): .283\/.360\/.505, 21 doubles, two triples, 29 home runs, 96 RBI, three steals, 127 games<\/p>\n
There\u2019s another player on the international market who isn\u2019t getting as much attention as Sato. Roh, who is from South Korea, turns 26 years old early next month. He has some pop from the right side of the plate but also has some swing and miss concern. The Hanwha Eagles posted him on Halloween. <\/p>\n
Other Free Agents of Note<\/p>\n
Edmundo Sosa, Luis Rengifo
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article:Alec Bohm<\/a> Eugenio Suarez<\/a> J.P. Crawford<\/a> Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> Si Hwan Roh<\/a> Teruaki Sato<\/a><\/p>\n