It's weird that despite the fact that the Pirates had more things go well for them, bought at the deadline, had a Rookie of the Year and a gold glover, and saw an incredible year for the rotation...and yet not only did they finish with the same record they had in 2023, but they finished in last, which they didn't even do in 2023. I honestly think the Pirates should have been more rewarded for their 2024 season. But this division being a crapshoot, coupled with a horrifying August/September skid, ruined them this year. And so, once again, the Pirates are bottom-feeders, and Bob Nutting's lucky John Fisher is a worse owner than him.
Not helping matters was the fact that, after two straight team-leading years, Ke'Bryan Hayes had a down year this year. Hayes missed time with an injury and only made 96 games this year, in which he hit .233 with 25 RBIs and 4 home runs. They honestly needed a guy like Hayes this year, and he let them down, despite incredible defensive numbers at third. Obviously he can come back from this, it was a rehabbing year, but...it definitely set his stock back a little.
2024 Prediction: Makes that ASG squad he should have made in 2023.
Thankfully, the Pirates weren't completely out of options in the infield in Hayes' absence, as they got a gold glove season out of Jared Triolo, who split the year between 2nd and 3rd and played both admirably. Triolo's defense is the real difference-maker here, he's a .216 hitter despite 9 homers. But that was honestly the leg up this team needed, as Triolo joined Hayes and Michael Taylor as some great defenders who cost the team at the plate. The good news is that Triolo's 2024 ensures that he'll definitely be part of the infield picture going forward.
2025 Prediction: A slight improvement at the plate. Not sure how often he'll get to start though.
Marco Gonzales had come off a few injury-plagued seasons for Seattle, was swapped to Atlanta prior to the season then flipped for cash two days later. Gonzales, kind of predictably honestly, had limited impact on this Pirates team due to injuries, but his material, especially initially, was pretty good. He had three excellent, consistent starts in April, then four weaker starts in July/August before being done for the year. Finished the season with a 4.54 ERA.
2025 Prediction: Minor league deal to see how long he can go before he gets hurt again, a surprise smash in the majors circa June.
Connor Joe's second year in Pittsburgh was pretty similar to his first. He was mostly used as an extra bat and bench piece, or he'd start at DH or 1B, but even compared to prior years his production was down. He only hit .228 this year with 9 homers and 36 RBIs. I suppose by his standards that's a pretty standard year, and you're getting him to just be an extra producer anyway.
2025 Prediction: Gains some new fans in a city he hasn't played in yet, does his thing there.
After his Sox contract ran out, there honestly wasn't much left for Yasmani Grandal to prove. His best years were with LA and Milwaukee, he's not as great both behind and in front of the plate, and he mostly just takes up roster space. But he still wanted to play, so he signed a year deal with the Pirates, and once he was activated he took the catching position over from Henry Davis. In 72 games he hit .228 with 9 homers and 27 RBIs, balancing out to a 0.6 WAR. Fine by most standards, even if by the end Joey Bart was the better option.
2025 Prediction: Backup role for a competitor.
Michael Taylor was plugged into the Pirates' outfield as a defensive upgrade, and the team hoped he'd find the offensive production he wielded in Kansas City and Minneapolis. That did not happen. Though Taylor was excellent in the outfield, he only hit .193, with 105 strikeouts and 52 hits. The team cut him a week before the season ended and went with rookies.
2025 Prediction: Similar batting results, but I think they'll get a year out of him in a limited role, whoever does go for him [Anaheim?]
Nick Gonzales, after debuting in 2023, was the primary choice at 2nd this year, pairing with Triolo when he didn't have a position to cover. Gonzales was pretty impressive, hitting .270 with 49 RBIs and 7 homers, despite not being the greatest middle infielder. Mostly the team is just impressed that someone could actually hit for average this year.
2025 Prediction: Eventually loses the position to Nick Yorke but still stays an integral member of the team.
Of the two guys the Pirates got at the deadline, Isiah Kiner-Falefa was the bigger name, and was having the better 2024 to that point. The Jays loved IKF because of his versatility and defense. Upon arriving in Pittsburgh, he leveled out, hitting .240 with 50 hits, including 10 doubles, and 10 RBIs in 50 games. Maybe a little closer to his Yankees numbers, but nothing to be overly concerned with.
2025 Prediction: Well seeing as they hung onto him, he'll be a starter, a useful contact bat, and one of the shining stars of the Pirates' first half. This might be the place for this guy.
And then you have Bryan de la Cruz. De la Cruz was traded to Pittsburgh because he could provide a useful power bat. For some reason, on the plane from Miami, he forgot how to do that. In 44 games he hit .200, with 17 RBIs, 3 homers and 52 strikeouts, culminating in a -1.1 WAR. The Pirates cut him after the season.
2025 Prediction: Will have a bounce-back season with Atlanta, as he’ll make up for all those OF spots held by veterans this year, and will become an even better power bat.
Coming Tomorrow- Unsurprisingly I have a lot of Rangers. Not because they were good, just a lot of them got hurt.
This is a really nice batch. The Hayes and Joe especially stand out.
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