4 Local Players Who Could Sign Hometown Discount with Pirates

Pittsburgh's talent pool has produced many pro baseball players, and the Pirates could benefit from some local loyalty.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A new report highlights four players from the Pittsburgh area who could be willing to sign a hometown discount to join the Pirates, the city's MLB team. The article discusses the potential for these local talents to return home and contribute to the Pirates' roster at a reduced salary compared to their open market value.

Why it matters

The Pirates have struggled in recent years and could use an influx of homegrown talent to help rebuild the team. Signing players from the Pittsburgh region at below-market rates could provide the team a cost-effective way to improve their roster and connect with the local fanbase.

The details

The four players mentioned as potential hometown discount signings for the Pirates are all relievers: Randy Dobnak, Keone Kela, David Bednar, and Scott McGough. All four players have ties to the Pittsburgh area, having grown up or played college baseball in the region. The article suggests the players may be willing to sign for less than their open market value in order to play for their hometown team.

  • The 2026 MLB free agency period is set to begin in November 2025.

The players

Randy Dobnak

A relief pitcher who grew up in the Pittsburgh area and could be willing to sign a hometown discount with the Pirates.

Keone Kela

A relief pitcher who is from the Pittsburgh region and may take less money to join the Pirates.

David Bednar

A relief pitcher with local ties who could provide the Pirates a cost-effective option in free agency.

Scott McGough

A relief pitcher who is originally from the Pittsburgh area and could be open to signing with the Pirates at a reduced rate.

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What’s next

The 2026 MLB free agency period will be a key time for the Pirates to potentially sign these local players to hometown discounts and bolster their roster.

The takeaway

The Pirates have an opportunity to leverage their city's rich baseball talent pool by signing players from the Pittsburgh region at below-market rates, which could provide a cost-effective way to improve the team and connect with the local fanbase.