1-20-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter
Lots of questions, and it’s a good point in the offseason to pause and ask some of these. The Pirates aren’t done, but they’ve laid enough framework to give you an impression of what this team is going to primarily look like in 2024. Let’s do this.
Question 1
Do u still think they will bring in another free agent starting pitcher, or trade for one? – John Grunning
They of course could sign a free agent John, but I’ve always felt they’d get more bang for their buck in a trade. I’ll explain in a later question why I don’t think there are rumors out there, but I think the teams to watch are Miami, Seattle, Kansas City, Dodgers, and Mets. They all have 5 they feel ok about, and 6th, 7th or even 8th options. Some are young, some are just MLB proven back end guys, some make too much money, and some come with years of control, but those teams could all probably afford to sell, and afford to take prospect capital in return.
Question 2
Is their a chance the Pirates could finish above .500 in 2024 is mine. – Neal Kokiko
Sure they could. Look, I don’t see this team right this second has “worse” than last year. The bullpen is fleshed out and deep, the lineup looks like it will have more pop. I can hardly ignore Oneil Cruz.
The rotation is the worry, and they have 3 I feel good about, and close to 6 guys I think could compete for the last two spots, one of which I still think they’ll fill.
So, yeah, I think it’s possible, again, you’d just like to see them slide more into the “tested” column if you were to want to feel better about it.
Question 3
What advice would you give aspiring Podcasters that want to be as successful as you and Jim? – James Littleton
I’m gonna nerd out, so skip this one if you just want baseball.
I mean, in my case, get lucky and make friends with someone building a Sports Media hub who thinks you have something to offer. I make no bones about the fact that I have a lot of the Pirates Fan Forum audience because of Dejan and DK Pittsburgh Sports hosting me on their platform.
That said, I started the podcast on my own and pitched it to him so I’ll start there.
Have something to say. Everyone thinks they do, but do you have something to say even when nothing is happening? Can you push buttons without pushing people away? Do you know how very little money it makes unless you really make it big?
It’s different, but much like when vetting writers for this site, I get asked just about every week if I’d “let someone write” on our site. That’s usually how dumbed down it is. My first question is always, sure we’ll consider it, what do you want to write? If they have an answer, I usually tell them to write it. Then I tell them it’s fine, or ok, or something complimentary but not too overboard and tell them to write me “what’s next”.
It’s crucial to see how hard that next idea comes for someone who wants to do this stuff.
This is usually where people stop. They get discouraged I didn’t make a big scene out of how great they did in the first one, or mark it up, or edit it, or run it and help them grow “their brand”, or make them feel like they’re working at The Sporting News by aggressively fact checking them. They want pay off for the work, in the form of praise.
If that’s the mentality you approach any of this with, forget it, don’t start. You’ll get praise over time, but it won’t come easy, and it will be so heavily outweighed by people who don’t read what you write, or outright find proving you wrong a pastime, trust me, you won’t do it long.
Podcasting is no different. If all you got is Nutting is cheap, you’ll grow super quick, but even those fans want to see your curveball, they’ve already fed on your fastball.
Have a subject. Have the ability to see topics when reporters aren’t feeding you them. And more than anything, don’t assume your thoughts are so revolutionary that you’re going to go viral. You have to build up credibility before you can expect to be taken seriously, so don’t walk in like you can’t be questioned, nobody knows who the hell you are yet.
This one is simple. DON’T MISS SHOWS! If you don’t feel your show is important enough to have your listeners or viewers know beyond a shadow of doubt you’re going to do your work and make sure the show is there when it’s supposed to be, why should they carve out time in their week for your show?
Be you. If you try to be someone else, eventually you’re going to have to come clean.
Be honest. If you are purposefully honest, nobody will take offense to any take you have, because they see all of it as part of you doing your due diligence.
If you have a co-host, pick a good one, who cares and can contribute as much as you do, or don’t pick one at all. Energy matters, and a bad co-host sucks more energy than a host could possibly add. Makes a show sound like a funeral sermon.
Don’t assume everyone listening, is in on a joke you made 3 episodes ago or that they all have the same level of interest as you, or knowledge as you. They aren’t you, and they all need to feel they can keep up and relate.
Last thing I’ll say, if your “concept” is talking to famous people, keep in mind the only people who can pull that off regularly are also, famous. Big name guests dry up, and how can listeners bond with you, if all you ever do is feed them someone else’s personality?
Sorry, it’s just nice to actually think about that for a bit, sometimes you don’t stop to think about how the mistakes you’ve made and how you’d do things better or different.
I guess when it all boils down, make people want to hear what you have to say, and whether writing or podcasting, that takes a ton of time and effort. You don’t just hit On Air and wait for the returns.
Question 4
With the money closers like Josh Hader getting, is David Bednar most likely to be traded this year by the deadline? – David Wald
5 years, 95 million or roughly 19 million per year.
David Bednar, had he been born in Boise, Idaho is likely a guy many fans are talking about much more as a trade candidate.
David just signed a 4.51 million dollar deal to avoid arbitration in his Arb 1 season. That means he has two more years of arbitration eligibility and is scheduled to enter free agency following the 2026 season.
Now, Mr. Wald here knows all this already. I know this because I’m well aware of how closely he pays attention. I had to explain all that, because all that context is why his question isn’t insane.
If Bednar performs the way he has this year, his Arb 2 figure will likely hit 6.5, maybe even as high as 8, and yes, they’d pay it if it came to that. Another good year and Arb 3 could crack 10, maybe even 12. They might not do that.
Here’s the thing, A closer in the majors usually doesn’t perform at the peak of their craft for more than 4 or 5 years tops. The ones who do that for longer are typically in Cooperstown. Now, I’m not claiming that David can’t do that, but I am claiming it’s not likely. He could still be a very good pitcher, but maybe not the “closer”.
Feel me?
Now, breathe for a second cause this is going to hurt.
Extending Bednar to me is dangerous. It would have to be approached carefully. To do so, you’d have to buy out at least 2027 and maybe 2028 too. I don’t think the Pirates could, or should pay a closer 10-12 million per year, I just don’t think that’s a luxury a team willing to top out where they do can afford. I also think, he’ll be 32 in 27, regress is likely, and for a power pitcher, who really needs that power to be “him” it’s even more likely.
I’d have to structure this deal so it works when he’s just a good reliever and not a dominant closer. Right now, that would be 5 years, 7.5-8 million per and I’d make it less at the end than the beginning.
If that doesn’t happen by say next offseason, I think they’ll have to consider trading him or just riding it out and letting him walk. Hometown kid, but this is a tough spot, truly because I think he could easily get paid by waiting. If I were his friend, I’d tell him to just wait.
Question 5
With regards to Spring Training… I have two basic beliefs- the stats don’t mean that much, and you can kind of get a feel for how the roster and positions will shake out during the last week and a half or so. What faults do you see in mine, and what do you look for in Spring Training? – Mark Witzberger
Brilliant question here, truly.
First, I think those two are perfectly fine assumptions, or stances, however you want to say it. I’d offer caveats that change them for me at specific times. Stats don’t mean much, but if it’s a struggling veteran returning, doing well can sometimes be something the guy needed to feel, and it can be a good sign of a rebound year. Your second point is pretty spot on, I mean, you can pick up on some of that based on opportunity given too, but no issue with waiting.
For me, I’m usually looking for who got bigger or filled out. If someone looked rough at a position, I’d like to see more sharpness, technique improvements. If a guy changed his swing or delivery, how is it coming along? Is he comfortable?
If it’s a kid I don’t expect to make the team, I’m looking for “special”. Any special, speed, glove, arm, a slider like a frisbee, a sinker that makes a righty tap dance, an aggressive swing on an outside pitch with oppo power. Things like that.
I’m a pretty firm believer, if you enter Spring and can’t lock in 20+ of your opening day roster damn near in pen, before you’ve seen a pitch thrown, you probably don’t have a team this year.
Question 6
I’m hearing and reading about concerns about the 3rd and 4th outfielders and at 2nd base. I personally don’t see that. With as many candidates we have for those spots. I’ve read plenty of the lack of starting pitching which I’m sure you will delve into. I think that is my biggest concern especially early in the year. We have help coming from the farm.. I’m very optimistic about the upcoming season. I’m looking forward this spring – Hill Jon
Here’s the deal Hill, the team put out the expectations of competing for both a better record, and a division/playoff run.
The reason your candidates are seen as suspect or concern worthy is because a team claiming they want to achieve those goals typically don’t have candidates as much as for sures.
I’m not saying some fans wouldn’t have that expectation anyway, because they certainly would, but I am saying, had they not said it, I could make a very easy case that the team will do a little better this year and just like I said last year, you’ll like the team better in September than you do in April. Spoiler, I do still think that, thing is though, they chose what they were selling, not me.
Once the season starts, I’ll probably lead with that, it’ll inform my prediction for the season and I’ll move on. They said it though, so starting the season with a scary rotation and hoping any of the number of kids who could actually do isn’t typically that.
They could prove us all wrong and their confidence in the options they have could actually be enough to take the Central. That’s baseball, that’s why we watch, I’m just saying it’s their job to sell it and make it happen, and until they do, I remain concerned, at least as it comes to them reaching their stated goal.
Here’s an example. Could Olivares be a good right fielder? Yup. Would I feel better with Michael A. Taylor in Center and Jack in right as it comes to achieving the goal of making the playoffs? Absolutely. Even if I’m wrong.
Question 7
Why does the Pirates 
Organization struggle to develop its players they draft? – Chris Forsha
I wrote about this the other day to a degree, so I’ll link that here for more, but…
Suffice to say, they haven’t drafted well. I think it’s too early to claim we know that to be a problem under Cherington, and I explain that in the piece I linked, but overall, their ineptitude in this area is clear and unavoidable. It’s not about money, they spend more than most.
It’s not all Hoka Hey. It’s not all forcing pitchers to throw sinkers. It’s not all having guys reduce velocity. It’s everything.
To be as clear as possible, the Pirates have many problems on this front historically, and every regime presents a new opportunity to make the changes needed to improve. Jury is out.
Question 8
Why is Pittsburgh not good at developing pitchers? – Chuck Shubak
Well, a lot of what I said in question 7 Chuck, but more than that, historically, they just haven’t. This is one of the oldest franchises in sports, how many pitchers they developed in that entire time would make even the Mount Rushmore you make of Pittsburgh Pirates? I mean, remember, Drabek was largely developed in New York.
Cole? OK, I’ll give you Cole. Smiley, that’s a good one, he rocketed through the system, just had a very short career, but he was no doubt good.
They just often fail here. I wish there was some fatal point I could land that would fix it all. I honestly wish to god it was just money or something, but it’s just ineptitude. Hopefully that very issue is what Cherington conquers, cause it honestly will tell the story of how this plays out.
Question 9
Why is power hitting ignored by this organization during the draft? Can they improve that? – Timothy C. Hemmis
I have to be honest, I’m not sure what this means. They have selected hitters with power with their top pick every year but one. They can certainly improve on having it reach the majors without some fatal flaw baked in, but even the rapid promotion of Jack Suwinski screams they care very deeply about power.
Also, in the draft, Power goes just as quick as a dude who can hit triple digits on the radar gun. Get past the first round and good luck, at best you’ll see projectable power. Strikeouts have become the Achilles heel for most of the Pirates existing or brought in power options, and bluntly, that just happens, even Jack strikes out a bunch. The team needs to maybe trust the power has a place even with that shortcoming, but how many of those can you have on a team and at that, you have to hit 30+ minimally to get away with that type of profile.
I mean, hope that answers it?
Question 10
What do you attribute the inordinately high percentage of 1st round picks failing to develop into in many cases not even serviceable MLB regulars to?
Cole Tucker, Kevin Newman, Kevin Kramer etc. – Neil Davidson
Neil, often the simplest answer is in fact the answer. They just have a history of making poor first round selections. Kramer was a 2nd rounder by the way, but the spirit of the question stands and lord knows I could produce another 15 names. They’ve chosen players based on a tool, or couple tools, and then they failed to develop or accentuate those tools. For instance, Newman was a plus defender with plus speed. They developed him believing the entire time there was hidden power, rather than to focus on what did make him special. Now, it probably wouldn’t have made Newman a great player, but it might have made him look like the average MLB player he likely is a whole lot earlier. Now he’s an almost 30 year old journeyman, and nobody has incentive to try to backtrack, he’s too old for the win to count for anyone.
I can honestly say, since MLB instituted the tiered slotting system for the draft, there is little excuse beyond scouting. You aren’t fighting the battle where a guy won’t sign most of the time, because at least if everyone does everything on the up and up, the Yankees can’t offer a 1st round pick more and convince them to tell the Pirates they won’t sign.
I also can’t tell you if it’ll hold this way.
Cherington has made technically 5 first round selections. Nick Gonzales, Carmen Mlodzinski (Comp Pick), Henry Davis, Termarr Johnson and of course Paul Skenes.
2 of those are number 1 overall, and while that’s no guarantee either, it’s very likely both are MLB players, and both are relatively successful. Gonzales struggled, but only had 100 ABs, probably early to place a bet. Mlodzinski looks great. Henry is obviously a work in progress and the other two are MLB top 100 prospects.
Even if all 5 of them hit and become stars, this organization will be seen as not good at this. First, nobody is going to give you credit for a 1:1 succeeding, they were supposed to. Second, they need to have some later rounders click too, and that will really help change the story.
Question 11
Rumblings about any more signings? – Mr. Walsh
Nothing new really. They are legitimately interested in Michael Lorenzen and Michael A. Taylor, but that’s been around for a few weeks. Trades, you just aren’t going to hear about because unless it’s one of the big names like Soto, or Cease, the agents aren’t really getting involved pushing a narrative for the media or trying to create a market.
Question 12
I think our players/organization are getting better. I also think the organization has some decent tradable players, that could bring a valuable return. I would’ve thought this offseason was it. But nothing has happened so far.
When do you think they will reach the point of trading good talent to get good talent of need in return?
Also, are we fans over rating our prospects? Do we think they are better than they are? Personally I do. – Mike Aujay
Well, that’s a lot Mike. Let me start at the end, yes, “we” think they are better than they are in many cases, but I’d also say, most fans do. Think back to how many years the Yankees fans proposed trading Andujar to every team for everything they wanted, so, bottom line, I agree with you here on this point. For us this is Bae, or Gonzales, or even Termarr.
As to when will they reach that point? 2020 if you ask them. To them, trading Starling Marte to start all this was exactly that. So was trading Robert Stephenson for Alika Williams, and Kevin Newman for Dauri Moreta. What they’ve valued is ceiling room on talent, and what they’ve amassed is what seems like far too much at any one given position. A big part of why, is to succeed, this team must develop 75% of their big league roster, especially the rotation, it’s the only way to keep it affordable for them, and yes, Bob’s cheapness is a separate conversation. I’m just not going to waste a bunch of time describing why how he runs things is wrong, we all know, we all feel it, let’s just deal with what is. Having 5 guys who could, hopefully equals 2 who actually do.
Lastly, what the Pirates are seeking is MLB help. Many teams that would want prospects in return aren’t in a position to deal much that really helps because they themselves don’t have many good players. Like, the A’s would love one of our middle infielders I’m sure, but they have maybe 2 MLB pieces that could crack this roster. Osvaldo Bido is starting for them this year, ya know?
Are there deals out there? Yes. There will be more after teams finish with free agency. That’ll knock some guys loose that were firmly locked in and I think that’s when they’ll pounce and get something done, although I don’t see a Cease type deal.
Question 13
Is there ANY hope at all for a Wild Card game, given our current pitching staff? Thomas Glovier
Of course there is Thomas, and that one word “hope” is exactly the crux of the conversation. Fans would like to see that hope fortified with some bets they’ve seen do something at the MLB level so their hope can be a little stronger than a 3rd party candidate winding up in the White House.
Of course there’s hope. My guess is you don’t ask the question if you didn’t already have some yourself.
Even the Dodgers are stuck on “hope”. They just have a lot more evidence that their hope will be rewarded based on historical performance. We’re banking on Luis Ortiz or someone like him to take a jump and do at least as well as a free agent pitcher who is locked in as a 4th or 5th starter. Thing is, his ceiling is way higher than that, but he’s likely not close to his ceiling, whereas that free agent, well his floor is established. He’ll never be worse than this level of production and when building a team you hope makes a push, raising the floor level is key to avoiding the skids that kids can bring.
It’s all about how the kids evolve. If enough do, boom, they get it done, if enough don’t or worse step backward, well, hope won’t last long.
Question 14
Why has pitching development, especially this past season, been the bane of the Pirates existence? If Oscar Marin is to blame, why is he still a coach for the Pirates? Brendan Zielinski
Kinda, and kinda not. He’s responsible for too much, and I kinda touched on it with Chuck. Long term, dude, I wish I knew.
Question 15
Who is the most likely “Show his worth” FA to potentially join the Pirates? Fever dream for it to be Kershaw? – MZylinski
Kershaw would be nice, but I don’t think this team is in a position where they want a guy who can’t help before July or August, otherwise Brubaker working his way back would be more front and center. They’ll have more help by then already, so I think whatever they do has to be from the jump. Unless it was Woodruff, that could be longer term so you’d be answering a question for down the stretch this year and next, which would be smart, so I don’t expect it lol.
I’ve wanted Michael Lorenzen for 3 seasons now. I thought he was a good fit in 2021 because he was easily good enough to be a 5th starter on this team and on occasion pitches above his head. Openly pitched for him last year before the Tigers gripped him up. Begged for him at the deadline because the Pirates were so short on pitching to end the season and I thought it might be nice to be on the inside track for signing him for this season.
So, don’t be shocked, I still want Michael Lorenzen. He can start, he can pitch out of the pen, he won’t complain either way and he’ll hold down whatever you want him to do with an outside shot he puts it all together and overachieves for a season.
He’s my guy left on the Free Agent board, and out of respect for everyone who will be underwhelmed by it if they should acquire him, I’ll keep my cheers quiet. Sometimes you just get a feeling about a player, he and Brent Suter have been mine for a minute and Suter is off the board with the hated Reds.
Question 16
Advice/recommendations for a first time attendee at a game? I’m coming over from UK in April. – Edward Bechham
First, welcome to our town when you get here, I brought my friend from the UK just last year for her first game so I’ll draw from that some things she found odd.
Yes, we do play organ music like all the time, and yes, unlike at soccer, our cheers or chants are often prompted by music or the giant video board.
I highly recommend staying over by 6th street and going to games by crossing the Clemente Bridge. It’s breathtaking, you’ll get great pictures and you’ll never forget the entrance you got to that particular ball game. Take time to walk around outside and look at all the statues. Grab a beer at North Shore Tavern while you work your way around.
None of our food in the stadium is “can’t miss” especially for the European palette I’ve found my friend, so just eat what doesn’t seem dodgy to you. If you get Primanti’s, don’t do it at the stadium, it’s close to what it’s supposed to be, but not exactly.
More than anything, Pirates fans in person are the most welcoming fans in the world. We’re very accustomed to being invaded by rival fans, so when someone comes over from England for OUR team, you Sir might feel like John Lennon for the day. Maybe you won’t even have to buy that first cold beer.
Have fun, you’ll never forget the views from inside the park, and I couldn’t care less where you sit, it’ll be true.
Question 17
Bigger need… a vet in the pen or another OF behind Bryan/Jack/Edward – SadPirateFan
Oh my the outfielder by a country mile. I haven’t felt this good about how a bullpen is shaping up since maybe 2016. In the outfield though, I really don’t want anything other than a starting center fielder. If they don’t get that specific player, I’m not interested. Unless it’s a starting CF who moves Jack to Right, they just won’t improve enough to bother adding another fringe for competition.
Question 18
Why do you think we’re losing out in the free agent market, when it comes to signing SP’s? Also, do you think Oscar Marin has a bad reputation and that could be the reason why. – Reid Family
The first part is incredibly easy. Because they won’t offer as much money or play the options game that most free agents want who have been taken off the board. I’d elaborate, but why muddy the truth, that’s what it is, they have a budget, it requires whatever this signing is to be in a range, and it’s just not attractive enough bait yet. Plop a hot dog in a pond and you might catch a carp or catfish. Plop a hot dog in a stream and at best a crayfish crawls out and takes a bite but you’re still hungry.
No, I actually don’t think Oscar Marin has a bad reputation, in fact, he’s done very well helping veteran pitchers they’ve acquired. Tyler Anderson, Jose Quintana, Vince Velasquez, Rich Hill (he was good version of him while here), and they’ve all publicly glowed about him specifically, none more so than Quintana.
It also doesn’t matter if he was responsible or not, as it comes to perception, he wins on all four of those guys, even if he just stood back and grunted one day when Jose let a sinker loose and he took it as training, all that matters is it worked for them.
Is he good? I’ll say this, I think he’s over tasked. The Pirates structure demands that he oversee the pitching program for the entire organization, yes, even the DSL. Of course he can’t do all that effectively, and at the big league level, often times veterans only require a hint or a different set of eyes picking up why everyone knows a fastball is coming. Rookies, and young pitchers, well, they need more and frankly, I’m not sure how much time he has to dedicate to it.
To me, make Marin the pitching Poobah if that’s what you believe he’s capable of, but get me a MLB coach who is dedicated to the MLB staff. Same for hitting bluntly. And yes, I’ve called for a Haines firing, not Marin’s, yet.
Question 19
With baseball ever changing is it possible the pirates throw out the traditional 5 man rotation philosophy and go with maybe 3 traditional starters who are trying to get deep into games and mix and match the other two days through the cycle ? They would need a group of “once through the order” guys and guys with options so they can keep guys cycling through AAA to keep fresh. They did this down the stretch last year (I realize they had to with injuries) but were quietly effective with it. 3 effective starters would be easier to find than 5 and cost less - Ryan Antonucci
Let’s start here, of course it’s possible, they just did it last year Ryan.
I’ll say this though, they haven’t acquired the right guys to execute it. Gonzales coming off that injury, man, I can’t expect him to give 200 innings. Perez was a reliever last year, have to imagine 150 is asking for about what’s possible there. Keller could go 200 again, I’m sure he even wants to, but zero hiccups on health can happen and he’d have to be good again of course.
And I don’t see the long relief either. If Ortiz, Contreras, Priester, Falter, aren’t good enough to start, they probably aren’t good enough to pitch 3 innings either, and the pen can’t afford the numbers for guys dedicated to piggybacking. Not yet, not as constructed.
All that said, desperation spawns strange bedfellows in baseball. If they swing and miss on everything they try to get another starter, they might just have to. And, it might be smart, because with Burrows and Brubaker both working their way back, they too probably won’t be 6-7 inning guys, so you might need to have that skill set in house. My hope would be that is what Perez slides into by the end of the year.
Question 20
Why do you think the Pirates never keep a top prospect like Paul Skenes to the end of their contract and then make a QO and take the extra no. 1 pick as compensation? My thinking is bring a player like Skenes up in late April if he’s ready and add a 7th year of control. When teams come asking for him in a trade when he has 2 years left on his contract you demand one of their recent first rd draft picks explaining to them you can get the equivalent if he walks in 2 years. This would be more effective and not seen as a bluff if they’ve actually done it once or twice. The Cards did it with Pujols and it restocked them with first rd picks Wacha and an Piscotty. 7 years of Paul Skenes would be pretty amazing. They’re not likely to extend him. Sorry for the long question but it’s something I’ve wondered for years. – Jim Maruca
Jim, damn man, great question. Honestly, it’s money and panic. QO are BIG commitments, often more than a player would get on the market, it’s always a risk they might just take it. A risk they should take, but…
They trade because they don’t think a window is open, and fear losing the talent for nothing. Draft picks are great, number one prospects are nice, but they just as often remain off limits for teams, even the Dodgers.
The real answer to that long question, is money and fear of risk of any kind. Additionally, if Skenes is what Skenes could be, by his Arb 3 season he could get 25-30 million awarded to him, and that my friend is why short of an early extension, he’ll be gone by 2030.
Question 21 – The perfect place to stop but I got too many, so I’m jamming 2 into 1!
We all know the big names coming in/up, how about 2 or 3 under the radar candidates to not only make the team, but make an impact. – Greg Roland
A few GMBC acquired young guys need to emerge for the Pirates in 2024. Cruz aside (too easy lol), who are your top breakout candidates and why? – Nick Cammuso
Liover Peguero to me showed a couple things, the power plays and so does the glove. I expect Peguero to break out this year because I think he’ll stop trying to prove he belongs and just belong. Just feels like he got to that tipping point then started struggling and lost his confidence last year. I like him a lot to take a jump this year.
Henry is probably too easy, but man, he’s gonna hit Nick. I know what we saw, and I know all the injury excuses, I’m not interested in any of it, this kid just is a hitter, and I expect to see a lot more of that this year, especially in the doubles and dinger numbers.
Nick, those two answer yours pretty well, but don’t rule out one of these meant for Greg either.
Jared Jones. I think this kid is going to have people drooling in camp and Spring Training this year. Not being on the 40 man is of course an issue, but I’m so high on him, I think he could push his way onto this roster by May, and not because the team is that destitute, because I don’t think we get to June before that kid has become impossible to ignore. Make the team is a stretch, but I’ll say this, most people not driven by an agenda, will whine about him making it while everyone else is crying for Skenes.
Tsung-Che Cheng was protected from the Rule 5 draft, and for good reason, he has tools and projection that debut in 2024 isn’t out of the question. If the Pirates do indeed move some of their middle infield overflow, Cheng could find himself a crack. If god forbid Cruz gets hurt or can’t hold down SS, Cheng and Peguero are probably the Pirates best fielders not named Alika.
Let’s have another pitcher, JC Flowers. He’s got a big arm and figuring out command is the missing piece, to me, guys like this could find that switch just about any time, and if he does, well, you can’t teach what he can do. Reliever all the way here, but you know how many of them they use, debut is at least a good bet.
And the last one, I’m still holding out hope on Matt Gorski. I know the K rate is trash, but that power and his athleticism at two positions of need CF and 1B is attractive as hell. If he can even just cut the K’s down by a third, he’d be hard to not take a look at especially with MiLB free agency looming. It’s no crazier than Palacios last year brother.
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