"Jared Triolo is the projected starter at the hot corner for the Pirates. The 28-year-old won a utility player Gold Glove in 2024 and will play a strong third base. It's a position where a 96 wRC+ at the plate is average, and Triolo projects around 90. He was able to cut his strikeout rate last year, but hasn't really shown any power since A-ball."
"I went into this exercise thinking Triolo would be one of the game's worst regular third basemen, but I didn't realize how bleak that landscape is. On a per 650 PA basis - which is quite generous to injury-prone "regulars" such Royce Lewis and Yoan Moncada - Triolo's 2.0 WAR projection from The Bat X ranks 18th."
"Of the three players directly ahead of Triolo - so close as to be considered a wash - two of them are Alec Bohm and Paredes. They both seemed somewhat available this winter, and they make a lot more money than Triolo, but they're not clearly better."
The Pirates face a third base decision with Jared Triolo as the projected starter. The 28-year-old utility player won a Gold Glove in 2024 and provides strong defense, though his offensive projection of 90 wRC+ falls slightly below the position average of 96. Triolo projects as a 2-WAR player per 650 plate appearances, comparable in total value to offensive additions like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, while earning near league minimum salary. Analysis reveals the third base landscape is surprisingly weak, with Triolo ranking 18th among regular third basemen. Only 14 third basemen represent clear upgrades over Triolo for 2026, with players like Alec Bohm and Isaac Paredes offering marginal improvements despite higher salaries.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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