Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Pirates are heading into an offseason filled with significant decisions following their inability to improve on last year's 76-86 record. The team faces several key questions as they prepare for the 2025 season.

One of the immediate tasks is filling the roles of hitting and bullpen coaches. The Pirates have decided to part ways with hitting coach Andy Haines and bullpen coach Justin Meccage after a disappointing performance from both hitters and relievers in 2024. The team finished 27th in Major League Baseball in team OPS (.672) and reliever ERA (4.49).

"There are many talented pitching coaches through the Pirates' system," notes the report, suggesting that internal candidates like Cibney Bello and Drew Benes could be considered for these positions. However, it is believed that an external hire might be more suitable for the hitting coach role to help young players transition to the Majors.

General Manager Ben Cherington has expressed confidence in David Bednar potentially serving as the team's closer next year, despite some uncertainty surrounding his return to All-Star form. "Bednar's return would be better than any external move," Cherington stated, but there remains a need for additional depth in the bullpen. Dennis Santana proved valuable midseason, yet consistency was lacking among other relievers such as Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Kyle Nicolas.

The first base position continues to pose challenges for the Pirates' offense. While players like Billy Cook, Jared Triolo, Connor Joe, and Endy Rodríguez are on the roster, none appear to be everyday options at first base. Bryan Reynolds practiced with a first-base glove but no formal discussions about moving him have taken place yet.

Catching duties also remain uncertain with Joey Bart having delivered a strong performance this past season. Rodríguez is expected to return healthy while Henry Davis remains another option under consideration.

As free agency approaches and trade markets open up in November, how aggressive Pittsburgh will be remains uncertain. "2025 is going to be a pivotal season," according to insiders who question whether they will make significant moves or continue dealing from their starting-pitching depth as seen during previous trade deadlines.

The Pirates face holes not only at first base but also within their bullpen along with potential gaps at shortstop or outfield depending on how offseason developments unfold.