4 Pirates who might not survive 2026 arbitration costs

Pittsburgh Pirates v Milwaukee Brewers | Brandon Sloter/GettyImagesAfter another disappointing finish at the bottom of the National League Central, the Pittsburgh Pirates have nine arbitration-eligible players this offseason. Before next month's non-tender deadline, the team must decide whether they want to tender contracts to those players or let them walk in free agency.

MLB Trade Rumors this week released their projected arbitration salaries for all eligible players in 2026, based on each player’s playing time, position, role and performance statistics while accounting for inflation. Based on these projections, four Pirates in particular stand out as likely candidates to get non-tendered…