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Pirates Morning Report: Right Field

The Pirates were ranked 18th in right field, a position that proved to be a challenging one for the team this season. Esmerlyn Valdez had 259 plate appearances in right field, an opportunity that allowed him to showcase his skills and potential. This was followed by Ryan O’Hearn, who contributed to the team with 175 plate appearances. Despite experiencing a very poor final 44 games for Valdez at the plate, he finished the season with a commendable slash line of .232/.345/.510, leading to an OPS+ of 130, which was notably impressive and second only to the standout performance of Oneil Cruz. Ryan O’Hearn also had a respectable offensive output, ending the season with a solid slash line of .265/.330/.440, resulting in an OPS+ of 108, which reflects his contribution to the team’s overall performance. However, where both players fell short was on defense. Neither player excelled defensively, as both were below average fielders, with O’Hearn struggling the most, recording -5 in defensive runs saved, while Valdez was slightly better at -3. O’Hearn’s defensive struggles extended to first base, where he recorded a negative 2, which, while not as severe, still suggests room for improvement. Looking ahead, Valdez will turn 23 next season, and with the experience and lessons learned from this past year, there is hope that he will develop further and refine his skills, both offensively and defensively, to become a more well-rounded player for the Pirates.

Valdez should be the full-time right fielder for 2027, bringing his skills and experience to bolster the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities. O’Hearn should be the starting first baseman, as he can provide stability and power at the plate, effectively replacing Spencer Horwitz, who should be traded to allow for fresh talent acquisition that could further enhance the team’s dynamics. This past season, the Pirate outfield ranked 15th overall, which is quite an impressive leap from 2025, when they found themselves struggling at 27th place. This improvement showcases the development of the players, as well as strategic adjustments made by the coaching staff. However, while the progress is commendable, the team still has a glaring need for a big-time center fielder who can handle the pressure of the position and elevate the overall performance of the outfield. Given their trajectory, I would be surprised if we see such a necessary addition before the start of the 2027 season.

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Pirates Morning Report: We Are Down To The Final Four.

The Championship Series begins tonight with the Brewers facing off against the Dodgers, marking a key moment in the postseason that fans and players alike have eagerly awaited. Although I have not seen much of the playoffs up to this point, I did manage to catch the Guardians’ impressive 2-0 victory over the White Sox, which capped off a thrilling comeback after being down 2-0 in the series. The White Sox, a team known for their tendency to strike out frequently, truly took things to new heights last night by striking out an astonishing 21 times, shattering the postseason record for strikeouts in a game. There were 99 pitches thrown that ended either as a strike or a ball being put in play. Out of those, the White Sox only managed to take 20 called strikes. They swung at 23 pitches that were out of the zone. They swung at 56 pitches that were actually in the strike zone, yet still managed to miss consistently. They simply could not make contact with what the Guardians’ pitchers were delivering. The White Sox only put a total of 9 balls in play throughout the game, and of that total, only one – a fly out – was from a pitch that was swung at outside of the strike zone. The remaining 22 consisted of foul balls or swings and misses. In a particularly frustrating top of the 6th inning, they loaded the bases but failed to convert that opportunity into runs. There were 5 White Sox players who had 2 or more plate appearances yet did not manage to put a ball in play all night long, which underlines the dominance of the Guardians’ pitching staff. This performance ranks as one of the most dominant pitching efforts in the history of baseball, defying expectations that the Guardians’ pitching staff would be worn out after extensive use, especially given their substantial leads in games 3 and 4. Perhaps the notion that pitchers are fragile is a myth after all. The Guardians’ staff can now say they proved their endurance in such a critical moment.

We are finally back to best of 7 baseball with the Dodgers facing the Brewers tonight in Milwaukee, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric as fans rally behind the Brewers. The Rays and Guardians will open on Monday night with a matchup that has been highly anticipated, stirring excitement among baseball enthusiasts. I am hoping the Brewers and the Rays, two teams that have shown incredible resilience and talent throughout the season, make it to the World Series. I honestly feel that both series are toss ups, as each game could swing in any direction depending on the performance of key players. The Rays would seem to have a big advantage over the Guardians with a well-rested pitching staff, which could prove crucial in a seven-game series where fatigue can take its toll on pitchers. This is a 7 game series, where every decision counts, and maybe Cleveland will just figure to rest most of their pitchers for game 1 and just hope for the best, a gamble that could backfire or pay off handsomely. This would be almost like a game one forfeit, but the Guardians might consider it if they think they have a stronger chance in the later games. I am sure the Guardians would not admit this strategy openly, but it would not be a bad tactical move if they believe in their bullpen’s strength. I will be watching all of these games intensely since I am done traveling until Christmas. It should be a great week of baseball, filled with memorable moments, stunning plays, and perhaps a few surprises that keep us all on the edge of our seats.

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Pirates Morning Report: Center field

The Pirates had the 14th ranked center fielder in the league, which shows they certainly had room for improvement in this critical position. Oneil Cruz had 381 plate appearances at center field during the season, showcasing his ability to be a primary player for the team. Jake Mangum contributed with 251 plate appearances, filling in as needed. Cruz’s bat emerged as a significant asset. He posted an impressive slash line of .280/.368/.486, demonstrating both his power and on-base capabilities. His skill at the plate culminated in an OPS+ of 131, marking him as the best offensive performer among Pirates’ players this season. Conversely, Mangum struggled notably during the latter half of the season, particularly after the All-Star break, where he slashed a disappointing .238/.295/.335. Ultimately, his OPS+ for the season settled at 90, which is 10% below the league average, which is a clear indicator of his challenges at the plate. Furthermore, in terms of defense, he is not particularly distinguished, with a defensive runs saved metric of -3 in center field. Although he showed some competence compared to Cruz, who finished with a -7 in defensive runs saved—an improvement over the staggering -14 he recorded in 2025—both players still fall short of being reliable defensive assets. Center field is recognized as one of the most vital defensive positions on the team, often requiring a combination of speed, agility, and baseball intelligence. Therefore, the Pirates’ decision to play two players who are below average in this critical spot raises questions about their strategic approach and commitment to enhancing their overall defensive capabilities.

In my view, Cruz should be moved to the corner position of right field, where he can utilize his considerable skills more effectively. He also has the most value at the moment on the trade market, making it essential for the management to capitalize on this opportunity. If he was on the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the most strategic teams in the league, he would likely be playing somewhere else in 2027, emphasizing how teams recognize talent like his. On the other hand, I am not too sure that Mangum should even be on the team next year, considering the recent performance analysis. In 479 plate appearances, he only walked 25 times, indicative of a concerning inability to draw walks and extend at-bats. In order for him to really be an asset, he needs to have better command of the strike zone, honing his plate discipline to become a more complete player. Even though he looks like the prototypical leadoff hitter with his speed and agility, he does not perform well in that critical role. He led off the game 35 times this year but managed to hit only .233, walking 3 times and getting hit by the pitch twice, which reflects a lack of impact in those situations. He led off an inning 115 times this season, batting a disappointing .204 and getting on base at a mere rate of .287, showcasing how ineffective he has been in generating scoring opportunities. I know he is noted for his hustle and drive; however, that can only take you so far in a league that demands excellence. It’s not even like he is that young, as he will be entering his age 31 season, a time when most players should be at their peak. Mangum needs to improve his game dramatically or he should be seriously considering looking for a new job outside of professional baseball. This all boils down to one critical truth: the Pirates need a solid major league center fielder to enhance their roster and competitive edge. At the moment, they do not have one, which is a significant concern for their long-term success in the league.

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Pirates Morning Report: Left Field

The Pirates had the 13th ranked left fielder in baseball, reflecting both the highs and lows of their roster for the season. Bryan Reynolds emerged as the team’s standout player, achieving the most plate appearances at that position by a wide margin, which underscored his importance to their offensive lineup. His replacements, who totaled about 210 appearances, likely brought down the overall performance at left field, Reynolds himself experienced one of his better all-around years. He did lead all of baseball in doubles, showcasing his ability to hit for extra bases. His slash line was solid if not spectacular, resting at .261/.365/.424, which indicates a promising on-base percentage despite not being a home run threat. For the second straight year, he failed to hit 20 homers, a goal that had become somewhat of a benchmark for many power hitters in the league. Yet, where Reynolds truly shone was in his defensive contributions. In left field, he had a defensive runs saved total of +9, marking this as by far his best year defensively. In previous seasons, he had often been classified as a negative fielder or merely at league average. Additionally, he achieved his best Wins Above Replacement (WAR) number of 3.8 since 2021, reflecting his overall value to the team as both a hitter and fielder. Such advancements in both offense and defense are crucial for the Pirates as they seek to enhance their competitive standing in the league.

The Pirates could do a lot worse than playing Bryan Reynolds in left field. He also had a nice year as the DH with an OPS of .775. I am not too sure if Reynolds would bring back that much anymore on the trade market. He is signed through the 2030 season with a club option in 2031. If the Pirates have any thoughts of trading Reynolds, the sooner the better. Otherwise, while Reynolds is never going to carry a club to a playoff spot, he is about as consistent and solid as any player on this team. He should remain a Pirate and play left field and DH.

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Pirates Morning Report: Shortstop

The combination of three Pirate shortstops ranked 18th at that position out of 30 teams, in terms of defense and offensive production. Konnor Griffin seems to be the heir apparent at this position, showcasing a blend of promising skills and potential. He is the primary reason they are as high as they are in the rankings. The other two, Jared Triolo and Jacob Gonzalez, really could not hit consistently, making it challenging for the team to rely on them in crucial moments of games. Specifically, Gonzalez is a below-average fielder at shortstop, which raises concerns about the team’s defensive capabilities. It is always fascinating how the Pirates think strategically in terms of player placement and development. Despite being an average fielder at 1st and 3rd base, they chose to place him at shortstop, where his defensive runs saved statistic sits at an alarming -4. This decision is perplexing, especially considering he never played shortstop for the White Sox, leading one to wonder how they arrive at such unconventional strategies. Although he did play shortstop in the minors, he had never stepped onto the field in that position at the MLB level until he joined the Pirates. Compounding the issue, both Gonzalez and Triolo’s OPS+ stats are significantly below league average, with figures of 75 and 68 respectively, This certainly casts doubt on their contributions to the Pirates’ lineup. This raises the question of how the team intends to rectify these performance issues moving forward.

Konnor Griffin will be and should be the main shortstop for the Pirates next year. He was a 2.1 WAR player in 80 games. For a full season, that would be close to 4.0. He has an excellent glove, every bit as good as Triolo. Both have defensive runs saved of 4 at the position. Griffin is only going to be 21 next April. Hopefully, he is over the injury problems and can go for a complete season. Presumably, we have seen the last of Jacob Gonzalez. I know he fits the perfect Pirate prototype: can’t field, can’t hit, so let’s play him every day. If he is one of the bench players next year, this team is in trouble. Jared Triolo has also shown he cannot hit. Over his 4-year career in 1,393 plate appearances, he has a slash line of .237/.317/.335 for a lifetime OPS+ of 80. There is no question he is a great glove at all 4 infield positions. If the Pirates can add more slug at other positions, then I still think Triolo will be an asset. I really do not know that the Pirates are capable of doing that. The good news is that Konnor Griffin looks like the real deal.

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Pirates Morning Report: Third Base

The Pirates had the 23rd ranked third baseman in baseball this year, a position that contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance. Nick Gonzales had the most plate appearances at that position, which highlights the team’s reliance on him despite some glaring issues. Gonzales had his best year at the plate with a commendable slash line of .303/.367/.388, showcasing his ability to make consistent contact and get on base. However, his lack of power severely limited his potential, leading to an OPS+ of 107, which means he is just 7% above a league average hitter. This highlights the need for an improved power hitter at that position. Where Gonzales falters is in the field, a crucial aspect of his position. He was the worst fielding third baseman in the league, marked by a disappointing defensive runs saved of -15, which contributed to the team’s defensive struggles. He made 11 of his 15 errors at third base, a statistic that raises concerns about his defensive consistency and reliability. This is another corner infield position that has very poor fielding skills that the bat does not quite make up for. The Pirates do have Ryan O’Hearn, who can play first base, providing some flexibility, but they have no one that would be an adequate replacement at third base for the moment. If they are not going to sign Brandon Lowe during the off-season, that should be the Pirates’ number one priority, as solidifying the third base position is essential for improving both the batting lineup and the overall defensive integrity of the team moving forward.

As far as Gonzales is concerned, a move to second base would not only be good for him but also significantly benefit the team. He is only just a little below league average there at a -2 defensive runs saved, which indicates that while there is room for improvement, he shows potential to excel in this position. As a versatile player, Gonzales would be a great candidate to DH once in a while, allowing him to contribute offensively while minimizing the strain of fielding. Over the last three years, Nick Gonzales has made slow but steady progress as a hitter, showcasing flashes of brilliance that suggest he could develop into a reliable presence in the lineup. Injuries may be another factor that has slowed him down somewhat, causing intermittent setbacks in his development, but he has remained resilient and focused on improvement. Regardless of the challenges he has faced, he should definitely be on the team next year. Hopefully, he will never touch third base again, allowing him to fully embrace his role at second base where he can thrive.

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Pirates Morning Report: Second Base

The Pirates had the 2nd best second baseman in baseball, only behind Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers. Of course, Brandon Lowe was responsible for that ranking. Brandon Lowe had a spectacular offensive season by Pirate standards, with a slash line of .260/.331/.493 for an OPS+ of 121. Defense was supposedly his Achilles’ heel, but it wasn’t this year. He was an outstanding +13 in defensive runs saved, by far the best defensive player the Pirates had this season. The only other complaint about Lowe was that he had trouble staying on the field. From 2022 to 2024, he never played in more than 109 games in a season, and in 2022, he appeared in only 65 games. However, he seems to have solved that problem, as in 2025, he played in 134 games, and this year with the Pirates, he played in 150 games. Coming off the year Lowe had, should the Pirates make a real effort to sign him to a long-term deal? Let’s take a dive in.

The first question to answer is whether the Pirates should make Lowe a qualifying offer. I believe it would be around 23 million dollars. The answer is an emphatic yes. First, there is about a zero chance that he would accept it. This would allow the Pirates to receive compensation when he signs with somebody else. Lowe will be heading into his age 33 season, turning 33 right in the middle of the 2027 season. He is approaching his declining years. Despite the fact that he has essentially stayed healthy the last 2 years, it is far from a guarantee that he will remain on the field for the next 3 or 4 years. The real question is what he will bring on the open market. There is a lot of negative history concerning teams signing free agents in their 30s. One of the big negatives for the Pirates is that Tremar Johnson, the so called second baseman of the future, did not have a very good year in AAA, and then seriously injured his knee. I am sure Lowe is looking for a 4-year deal. If he were to settle for a 3-year deal, I think 90 million or 30 million a year would be something the Pirates could manage. There always seems to be somebody willing to overpay these players. So, let’s assume that the Pirates are unable to keep Lowe, which I think is a pretty good assumption. I think this would put Nick Gonzales back at second base. He is close to league average when he plays second. At third base, he is horrible. To me, signing Brandon Lowe is a difficult call despite a lot of people clamoring for him to be signed. I think he will probably get a 4 or even 5-year deal, which the Pirates cannot afford. There are other younger players that the Pirates will need to sign. Who knows what the new labor agreement will eventually bring, but it won’t be so different that the Pirates would have a better chance to sign Lowe.

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Pirates Morning Report: The First Basemen

I am now glad that I am doing the position evaluations at the end of the season. Even with only 7 days to go in the season the catching position went from 19th to 15th in the league. That didn’t change my mind on what to do with the position but the catching position is now in the top half of the league. Unfortunately you cannot say the same thing about first base. I don’t know what it is about 1st base and the Pirates. They just cannot seem to find a really good one. The Pirates first basemen this year were ranked 27th in the league.

First base was held down for most of the season by Spencer Horwitz. He had to go on the IL at the end of June, came back the beginning of August and quite frankly never seemed to be right. In those last 39 games he appeared in, he only had 2 hits in 5 games. His slash line for the period was .180/.263/.201. He did not hit a home run. It’s hard to say if the injury was still bugging him or what. The bottom line is the Pirates were getting zero production from one of the offensive positions. Horwitz wound up the season with a minus 2 defensive runs saved. In other words this is not what you want at first base a way below average hitter (94 OPS+) and a below average fielder.

The Pirates need to find a new home for Horwitz even if it was a nagging injury that contributed to his bad 2nd half. Ryan O Hearn should be the main first basemen in 2027. Horwitz won’t bring much on the trade market but maybe the Pirates will luck out and a get a bullpen piece for him. If he is on the team next year this is not a good sign.

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Pirates Morning Report: Two Stats That Sum Up The Season

It is rare that you can look at a season and boil it down to two crucial stats where, if the team had just performed at the league average, they would undoubtedly be in the playoffs. The first stat has some speculation tied to it. This inefficiency in converting chances into runs not only highlights the team’s inconsistency at the plate but also serves as a reminder of missed opportunities that could have changed the course of their games. Conversely, the second stat presents a more straightforward narrative, as it illustrates a pitching failure that stands out starkly against league averages. The lack of effectiveness from key pitchers not only put additional pressure on the bullpen but also allowed too many runs to score, ultimately bridging the gap between a respectable season and one that could have seen the team competing in the postseason.

Even though the Pirates were a solid run-scoring team that wound up 6th in the league in runs scored, they were shut out 15 times. There were 3 teams that were shut out just as many times: the Mets, the Mariners, and the Angels. The Guardians were shut out 16 times, and the Reds 17 times. There were 7 teams in baseball that were shut out 8 or 9 times, which put them in the 10th through 16th positions in the league. The Pirates had 6 games where they lost 2 or 3 to nothing. I do not think it is much of a stretch to say that if the Pirates had scored some runs in those games, they could have won half of them. That would have added 3 wins to their total. Granted, just because you are not shut out does not mean you are going to win the game, but it at least gives you a chance. The Cubs had the number 1 offense in the league, and they were shut out 14 times. Other than that, all the other bottom 10 teams in terms of being shut out had much worse offenses than the Pirates. Of the teams that were tied or worse than the Pirates, the highest-ranked offense was the Mets at 19th in the league. We are speculating on the possible extra wins here; we could be off in either direction. The next stat we do not have to speculate on to know that this alone cost the Pirates a spot in the postseason.

In games where the Pirates scored 7 runs or more, they unfortunately lost 10 of those contests, highlighting a troubling trend in their performance. The only team worse in the league than the Pirates was the lowly Colorado Rockies, who suffered a staggering 12 losses under similar circumstances. Overall, the Rockies ended up losing 104 games during the season, underscoring their struggles. In striking contrast, two teams, the Mets and the Red Sox, showcased remarkable consistency, failing to lose a single game throughout the year whenever they managed to score 7 runs. Additionally, there were 4 teams that only lost one game in these high-scoring scenarios, while another 4 teams faced defeat just twice. Remarkably, a total of 18 teams only lost 4 games when scoring 7 runs or more, yet it’s worth noting that half of these teams did not secure a spot in the playoffs. If the Pirates had merely performed at or slightly above league average, it’s entirely possible they could have added an extra 10 to 12 wins to their season total. Such an improvement would have effectively catapulted them into playoff contention. The reality is, the Pirates essentially gave away far too many games throughout the season. This sense of disappointment and unfulfilled potential will inevitably make this winter seem even longer as the team evaluates their performance and prepares for the challenges ahead.

Speaking of the playoffs they are about ready to move into the division series. The White Sox, Yankees and Padres have won the Wild Card series 2-0 to advance. The Braves and Phillies play an elimination game tonight. The visiting teams have a chance to go 2-2. Stay tuned.

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Pirates Morning Report: Pirates Have Winning Season Big Whoop

The Pirates beat the Tigers 4-2 to finish the season 82-80. It was nice to see Konnor Griffin lead off the game with a home run. It was also nice to see Mason Montgomery bounce back from his blown save on Saturday. He did not throw a curve ball yesterday. Another nostalgic moment as a second Pirate played his last game in the Major Leagues, Billy Cook. He went out with a bang getting a double that drove in a run and he later scored the final run of the season. This winter he is one of the three nominees for the Wasted Roster Spot award. No matter how you spin this season it wound up being a big disappointment. This team had the talent to make the playoffs but was mismanaged into mediocrity.

I will be traveling a lot during the next week which will cut into my ability to watch the wild card round of the playoffs. Here are my fearless predictions. Red Sox over the Yankees. White Sox over the Astros. Padres over the Cubs. Braves over Phillies. I would love to see a Rays-Brewers World Series especially with the labor dispute looming over the horizon. Playoff baseball is my favorite time of the year.