The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to run their organization as a small market but for the first time in a long time, the team might have expectations for the postseason is absolutely everything goes right. At the very least, the team is going to be fun to watch with a strong foundation of young players.

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 76-86, 4th in NL Central

Postseason: N/A

Last season, Pittsburgh took major steps forward. Despite not making the postseason, the Pirates finished with 76 wins, which was the most since 2018. Pittsburgh last made the postseason in 2015, which was a Wild Card game loss to Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses:

Key Additions: RP Aroldis Chapman, SP Martin Perez, CF Michael Taylor, 1B Rowdy Tellez, C Yasmani Grandal, SP Domingo German

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a young, up-and-coming team that has a chance to be as fun as any in baseball. Why? A young core that is starting to receive deals from the team to stay long term.

It all began with Ke’Bryan Hayes. In 2022, Hayes signed an eight-year extension worth, at the time, the highest amount all-time for the Pirates at $70 million. Hayes has quickly turned into an elite defender at third base. He won his first Gold Glove last season and was strong offensively as well. Pittsburgh has its answer at the hot corner for years to come.

The question last year was, would Bryan Reynolds get traded or not? Pittsburgh answered that question and gave their star an eight-year deal worth $106.5 million. Reynolds has been the most consistent bat for the Pirates over the years and has turned into the face of the franchise. Let’s add starting pitcher Mitch Keller to the list. The 27-year-old inked a five-year, $77-million deal this offseason. The core is set.

Next up, O’Neil Cruz. He burst onto the scene in 2022 with a strong arm and quick bat. Last season, he was limited to just nine games after suffering a fractured fibula. Now, he is recovered and ready to take the league by storm once again. At 25 years old, Cruz is just another young piece that the Pirates have moving forward.

Henry Davis is an x-factor for the Pirates and potential breakout candidate. The former No. 1 pick overall hit just .213 last season but has a chance to take major steps forward this season, especially in the power department. The Pirates also have Andrew McCutchen and Rowdy Tellez who can provide some pop.

The lineup at the top is expected to be fun to watch. Keller provides the ace presence at the top of the rotation, along with Martin Perez. Where the Pirates are going to really excel is their bullpen.

Aroldis Chapman was a big addition to the bullpen this offseason. It was a move that solidified an already stellar pen and took it to another level. Chapman joined David Bednar and Colin Holderman as options for Pittsburgh. Bailey Falter and Ryan Borucki are left-handed options coming out of the bullpen, which is expected to be one of the best in baseball.

Pittsburgh might not be a candidate to win the division just yet but could very well make a run at a Wild Card spot if all comes together the right way. Regardless, there will be many eyes on the Pirates as baseball fans will want to see this young core come together.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. O’Neil Cruz, SS
2. Bryan Reynolds, OF
3. Ke’Bryan Haye, 3B
4. Jack Suwinski, OF
5. Andrew McCutchen, DH
6. Rowdy Tellez, 1B
7. Henry Davis, C
8. Michael Taylor, OF
9. Jared Triolo, 2B

Potential Rotation

• Mitch Keller
• Martin Perez
• Marco Gonzales
• Luis Ortiz
• Jared Jones

Final Record Prediction: 81-81