The Pirates' third base situation is a topic of interest, especially with the recent discussions about Isaac Paredes and the potential trade upgrade. John suggests that the Pirates should consider giving up serious prospects to acquire a top shortstop, but the question remains: is Paredes the best option?
Paredes, a 28-year-old utility player, has a 96 wRC+ at the plate, which is average for a third baseman. His projection of around 90 wRC+ is not impressive, and he hasn't shown much power since A-ball. Paredes makes a lot more money than Jared Triolo, who is making near the league minimum, but he's not clearly better.
Triolo, a 28-year-old, has a 2-WAR projection per 650 PA, which is on par with offensive-minded additions like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn. What makes Triolo stand out is his ability to cut his strikeout rate and his strong defensive play, as evidenced by his utility player Gold Glove in 2024. The landscape for third basemen is bleak, with no real reason to think that guys like Caleb Durbin or Nolan Arenado will outperform Triolo.
In my opinion, Paredes is not the best option for a trade upgrade at third base. The Pirates should focus on finding a clear upgrade, and there are 14 third basemen who represent a clear improvement over Triolo. The key is to find a player who can provide both offensive and defensive value, and Paredes falls short in both areas.
The Pirates' third base situation is a complex one, and the team should carefully consider their options before making any trades. With a 28-year-old like Paredes, the team might be better off focusing on other areas of the roster to improve their chances of success.
