The Cleveland Indians traded Lawton to the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 11, 2004. The Indians received pitcher Arthur Rhodes in the trade. Both teams received cash considerations from each other. Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield commented on the acquisition by saying "Lawton, we think, is a good fit. With this move we've been able to help our offense". Lawton was slated to be the team's leadoff hitter after the departure of the man who hit in that position during the 2004 season, Jason Kendall. On July 14, 2005, Lawton acknowledged he was hearing rumors that the Pirates were considering trading him before the July 31 no-waiver trade deadline. As a member of the Pirates that season, Lawton batted .273 with 53 runs scored, 102 hits, 28 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 101 games played. He also is credited with a 463-foot long home run, hit against the Colorado Rockies on May 20, 2005. To date, it is the longest by a Pirates player at PNC Park (2012).