#24
The Pittsburgh Pirates may have finished with a second straight 100 loss season in 2022, but hopes haven't been higher since their last postseason run in 2015. Are the Pirates about to turn the corner and break out in 2023?
#29 - 5th in NL Central
MIH - Bryan Reynolds
MIP - Mitch Keller
PTW - Oneil Cruz
2022 Results
#28 - 62-100, 4th in NL Central
Highest WAR (Position) - Ke'Bryan Hayes
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Mitch Keller
There hasn't been a more buzz-worthy 100 loss team in recent memory. The Pirates were not a good team in 2022, but they were definitely a fun team. Led by one of the most underrated superstars in Bryan Reynolds and two of the more exciting young phenoms in the sport in Ke'Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz, the Pirates turned more heads in 2022 than they have since the days of Starling Marte, Gerrit Cole, and MVP-winning Andrew McCutchen.
Additions / Subtractions
Speaking of Andrew McCutchen, he's back! He is one of several veterans brought in this offseason to provide leadership as their young core develops. He is joined by first basemen Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi, catcher Austin Hedges, outfielder Connor Joe, and the ageless wonder Rich Hill in the starting rotation. Moving on are veterans like Michael Chavis, Kevin Newman, and Ben Gamel. This biggest offseason news for the Pirates heading into the 2023 season is the move that wasn't made. Bryan Reynolds requested a trade after contract extension talks stalled. After setting the price for Reynolds extremely high, the Pirates had no takers willing to meet their demands. So Reynolds is still a Pirate ... for now.
Most Important Hitter
Oneil Cruz
There were a lot of rookies that popped in 2022. From Rookies of the Year Julio Rodriguez and Michael Harris II, to World Series MVP Jeremy Pena, to budding ace Spencer Strider. However, no rookie made jaws drop in 2022 quite like Oneil Cruz. The 6'7" 220lb shortstop is entering his age 24 season, throws in the mid-90's from short to 1st, hits 120mph home run bullets, and is one of the fastest players in the big leagues. No one has all the measurable traits quite like Cruz. With all that said, in his 87 games in the majors in 2022, he had a 107 OPS+ with a .233 average, 17 homers, and striking out almost a third of the time. He is crazy talented, but he needs to develop some discipline at the plate. His development is one of the most important pieces to the puzzle that could lead to a successful season for the 2023 Pirates.
Most Important Pitcher
Roansy Contreras
With all the promise of their lineup, their pitching has not been near as heralded. The Pirates have not really had a anywhere near an ace since trading away Gerrit Cole before the 2018 season. Although Mitch Keller was probably considered their top starter last year (at least after Jose Quintana was traded), rookie Roansy Contreras may have had the most encouraging season. In 21 games (18 starts), Contreras had a 110 ERA+ with 86 strikeouts in 95 innings. If Contreras builds off the strong rookie campaign, the Pirates may have finally found their next young ace.
Prospect to Watch
Endy Rodriguez
When you consistently struggle to win like Pittsburgh has, you are bound to build up a strong farm system. The Pirates currently boast a top 5 farm system in MLB with four prospects in the Top 100 Prospects in baseball. Their #2 prospect (#55 overall) is Endy Rodriguez. The 22 year old joined the Pirates organization in 2021 as part of the big Joe Musgrove trade, and ever since he showed up, he has hit. Spanning three levels of the minors in 2021, the switch-hitter belted 25 home runs and slugged .590. Naturally a catcher, Rodriguez has also seen time at 2nd base and the outfield. It doesn't matter what position he plays, expect his bat to impact the Pirate lineup before the end of the season.
2023 Prediction
4th in NL Central
The Pirates won't quite be good yet in 2023, but they might be one of the most improved teams. Their young talent is dynamic, their veteran newcomers will provide a great model and leadership base, and they will win some games. Don't be surprised if they flirt with .500 entering the All Star break.
Fearless Prediction
Bryan Reynolds signs a big extension with the Pirates.
The drama surrounding the Pirates and Bryan Reynolds this offseason did not look good for the Pirates. They have always been a fairly cheap organization going back to the early 90's with the Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla era. Reynolds is not asking for unreasonable money considering how good he is. If the Pirates improve the way they could this year, maybe they decide to ride the momentum and commit to a budding superstar.
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