Imagine it or not, however the Pittsburgh Pirates may be one of many largest tales in Main League Baseball this spring. On the very least, they’re getting extra consideration and have created extra expectations for themselves than at any level over the previous decade.
On the root of the hype is the presence of beginning pitcher Paul Skenes, the reigning Nationwide League Cy Younger Award winner and arguably one of the best pitcher in baseball.
In addition they have probably the most thrilling prospect — and prime prospect — in baseball shortstop Konnor Griffin, who has an opportunity to be the primary teenage place participant to make a gap day roster since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989.
Together with Griffin, in addition they have Bubba Chandler, a top-five prospect in baseball and one of many prime pitching prospects, able to earn a spot in an already sturdy beginning rotation with Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft and the eventual return of Jared Jones.
In addition they really made some severe investments of their lineup with the offseason additions of second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder/first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
All of it collectively brings some severe hope to a franchise and fan base that has been missing it.
There are nonetheless three key issues that have to occur for the Pirates to show this hope and pleasure into regular-season outcomes.
Bryan Reynolds has to hit like Bryan Reynolds
Whereas Lowe, O’Hearn and Ozuna are huge additions that might add 8-10 wins to the roster, a number of the Pirates’ most vital enhancements are going to wish to return from inside.
On the prime of that listing is Bryan Reynolds.
Reynolds has been their finest and most dependable hitter for the higher a part of the previous seven years. He has been a two-time All-Star (beginning a kind of All-Star video games) and posted an OPS+ of 111 or increased 5 instances, together with 4 instances over 120. He has additionally constantly been a 3-5 Wins Above Alternative participant. That could be a constantly above-average hitter and contributor.
His 2025 season, nevertheless, was the worst of his profession over a full season, ending with solely a 99 OPS+ and a 1.4 WAR, additionally the bottom of his profession over a full season. A return to his pre-2025 kind can be nearly as vital as any of the offseason additions to the lineup.
The Oneil Cruz wild card
The Pirates have been hoping for Cruz to take a leap towards stardom for a few years now, nevertheless it merely has not occurred. There’s no person in baseball who hits the ball tougher and extra constantly. He steals bases in addition to anyone within the league. He has one of many strongest arms in baseball. He has gone 20-20 (20 dwelling runs, 20 stolen bases) two years in a row and has severe 30-30 and even perhaps 40-40 potential.
He has simply by no means put all the pieces collectively but, and the 2025 season represented an enormous step backwards. It performed an enormous position in an underachieving crew that might not even be aggressive regardless of having one of the best pitcher in baseball.
At this level, Cruz’s possibilities of being a celebrity appear slim. However he can nonetheless be a productive, core participant. Even when his bat bounces again to 2024 ranges, that will be one other big inner improve value a few wins.
Konnor Griffin matches the hype
The hype round Griffin is beginning to exceed the hype that surrounded Skenes previous to his debut. Practically each article written about him, each evaluation of his play, each projection of his upside makes him sound like a Mike Trout-level participant. There’s nonetheless an extended solution to go earlier than he reaches that stage, if he ever does. That could be a huge expectation. It is usually not more likely to occur instantly.
There will likely be rising pains every time he makes the roster, whether or not it’s initially of the season or later in it. If he’s even merely an above-average participant as a rookie and reveals the indicators of his upside, that can also be an enormous addition to the roster at a primary place. No person modifications the ceiling this season and past greater than him.
These are huge wild-cards. They’re additionally the issues that may flip all of this into outcomes. They’re additionally cheap.
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