Sun Nov 30 11:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins, teams typically known for low payrolls, are surprisingly showing increased interest in free-agent acquisitions this offseason. This behavior is driven by several factors, including a desire to capitalize on emerging young talent (like Paul Skenes for the Pirates) and build on recent improvements (for the Marlins). However, there’s speculation that their spending could also be motivated by a desire to justify their revenue-sharing status ahead of upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations, where larger-market teams may argue smaller-market teams aren’t using their revenue-sharing funds to improve on-field performance. The Marlins also face the potential of a grievance from the MLBPA if their payroll remains too low compared to their revenue-sharing earnings. Both teams are looking at various options, with the Pirates eyeing offensive upgrades like Kyle Schwarber and the Marlins seeking pitching help and power hitters. Whether their spending materializes or is merely posturing remains to be seen.

News Article:

Pirates and Marlins Surprise with Increased Spending Interest Amidst CBA Speculation

PITTSBURGH, PA – In a surprising turn of events, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins, traditionally among MLB’s lowest spenders, are signaling a newfound willingness to invest in free-agent talent this offseason. Both teams are reportedly exploring options to bolster their rosters, fueling speculation about their motivations.

The Pirates, buoyed by the emergence of Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, are looking to capitalize on their young pitching core and improve their offense. They’ve expressed interest in players like slugger Kyle Schwarber, although other options may prove more realistic. The Marlins, coming off a season of significant improvement, are targeting pitching upgrades and power-hitting corner infielders.

However, the timing of this increased spending has raised eyebrows around the league. With the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) set to expire after next season, some agents suggest these moves could be strategically motivated. The potential exists for a showdown between large-market “payor” teams and smaller-market “recipient” teams regarding revenue sharing, and by increasing spending on payroll, the Marlins and Pirates may seek to demonstrate their commitment to improving their on field performance.

The Marlins, in particular, face potential scrutiny as their payroll is expected to fall short of the threshold outlined in the CBA to show they are using their revenue-sharing funds to better the team.

“There is a possibility of a fight among clubs over revenue sharing, with the smaller markets seeing a greater contribution,” agent Seth Levinson said, “Hence, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the smaller markets compete for talent in the free-agent market to convince the payors that they are committed to putting a better product on the field.”

Ultimately, the success of these teams’ efforts to improve remains to be seen. The Pirates and Marlins will need to be more than just talk to prove to their fans that they are ready to compete.

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