Pittsburgh Review

With just two games left in the Pirates' 2024 season, the team reflects on a year filled with highs and lows. Despite falling short of their postseason goal, there are reasons for optimism as they look ahead.

Bryan Reynolds summed up the team's outlook: "The goal [in 2025] is to continue what we did well for half to three-quarters of the year. Just play good baseball and make the playoffs, but we've just got to get over the hump of just hitting dry spells. Just be consistent."

A significant moment in the season was the Pirates' August performance, where an 8-19 record and a 10-game losing streak ended their playoff hopes. The team had been strong contenders in the National League Wild Card race until then.

One key lesson from this season is Oneil Cruz's potential in center field. Initially playing shortstop, Cruz switched positions in late August and showed promise. His offensive performance also improved throughout the year, making him one of only ten Pirates to achieve a 20-home run, 20-steal season.

Joey Bart emerged as one of the best developments for the team. Acquired out of necessity due to injuries among other catchers, Bart posted a .793 OPS in 79 games with Pittsburgh, providing a reliable bat moving forward.

The bullpen was an area needing improvement. Projected to be one of MLB's best at the start of the season, it ended with a 4.51 ERA (27th in MLB) and tied for third-most blown saves (27). David Bednar struggled with a 5.84 ERA across 61 appearances and lost his closer role by season’s end.

Young starting pitchers provided hope for future seasons. Paul Skenes and Jared Jones led this group, with Skenes being named Team MVP after going 11-3 with a 1.99 ERA and 167 strikeouts over 131 innings in his rookie year. Other promising starters included Luis Ortiz, Bailey Falter, Bubba Chandler, Thomas Harrington, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, and Johan Oviedo.

Reflecting on his successful rookie campaign despite initial reservations about starting in Triple-A, Skenes said: “I didn’t like starting in Triple-A, but... it was just about perfectly put together.”

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