Pirates Could Target Korean Star for Third Base
Sports Illustrated reports Pittsburgh may consider signing Roh Si-hwan as it seeks a starting third baseman for 2027.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Baseball
Sports Illustrated reported on November 4, Korean time, that the Pittsburgh Pirates could consider signing a Korean star for third base. The Pirates currently lack a solid starting third baseman for the 2027 season.
Why it matters
Pittsburgh has not actively scouted Asian-market players in the past and has not advanced to the postseason since 2015. A signing of Roh Si-hwan could mark a shift toward international talent as the team looks to return to contention.
Roh Si-hwan signed an 11-year, 30.7 billion Korean won non-FA contract with Hanwha, which includes a clause allowing posting-system entry to Major League Baseball after the 2026 season. Pittsburgh's last major international contract came with Kang Jung-ho in 2014, and the team last reached the postseason in 2015.
The players
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball franchise in the National League Central, last reaching the postseason in 2015.
Roh Si-hwan
Roh Si-hwan is a Korean baseball player under an 11-year contract with the Hanwha Eagles, with a clause allowing posting-system entry to the Major League after the 2026 season.
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media outlet that published the report on Pittsburgh's interest in a Korean third baseman.
The details
Pittsburgh could strengthen its roster through trades or by scouting free agents, and Roh Si-hwan could move to first base or focus solely on hitting. Signing with a Major League team through the posting system would nullify his existing Hanwha contract.
Timeline
2014: Pittsburgh signed Kang Jung-ho, its last major international contract.
2015: Pittsburgh made its last postseason appearance.
Last offseason: Rumors circulated about signing Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto.
Ahead of this season: Roh Si-hwan signed his 11-year contract with Hanwha.
After the 2026 season: Posting-system entry to Major League Baseball becomes available.
Season Trajectory
Pittsburgh's last major international contract was Kang Jung-ho's 2014 signing, and the team has not reached the postseason since 2015. A move for Roh Si-hwan would mark a return to Korean talent as the club attempts to rebuild its infield for 2027.
A signing would give Pittsburgh a potential everyday third baseman and could alter fantasy and roster projections for 2027. Roh Si-hwan's posting clause means a Major League deal would void his current Hanwha contract.
The takeaway
Pittsburgh's search for a third baseman points to a possible shift toward international talent after more than a decade of limited postseason success. Readers should watch the 2026 posting window to see whether the club moves on Roh Si-hwan.
What happens next
Roh Si-hwan becomes eligible for posting-system entry to the Major League after the 2026 season.
Further reading
For more on the club's recent roster moves, see Pittsburgh Baseball coverage.
