Colin Beazley's Pirates chat: 09.29.26
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Colin Beazley
1:16
It was a tough year for Jhostynxon Garcia, though I guess his and Brandon Lowe's seasons show why we shouldn't read much into spring training results.

It's too early to call it for Garcia and put him into the Cook role, but he also didn't earn a major league role. I'd guess he'll start in Triple-A and have to wait for an opportunity, as he's clearly behind Reynolds/Cruz/Valdez/Mangum. Maybe he'll earn one. He could also be a trade chip if someone still views him as a top-100 prospect, though I'm sure this year soured views on him some.
Jim
1:16
Would it be accurate to say that E. Valdez has taken J. Garcia's spot?
Colin Beazley
1:16
Definitely. Valdez isn't an prospect anymore, but he is the top outfield "prospect," you could say.
Syd
1:16
If they don’t give Valdez the first shot at the RF job I assume it’s because they bring in a proven veteran and then you’re adding yet another outfielder to the mix. Ronny Simon has proven he can be a good speedy 4th/5th bench outfielder and Mitch Jebb looks really intriguing. He had 8 home runs (+ 5 triples) in 55 games while Garcia had only 10 home runs in 70 games (in his 2nd year of AAA). Basically there seems to be some more enticing options and I’m curious what their plan is for him. He’ll probably look good in spring training because pitchers aren’t game planning or watching video to find his weaknesses; they’re working on their own stuff and the pitchers that do care won’t be in the majors. I’m just curious how they’re gonna handle him considering there’s no role for him in the bigs and he didn’t exactly tear up AAA like many presumed, not to mention what he looked like in his callups.
Colin Beazley
1:19
Realizing I posted a similar Q twice, but for what I didn't get to in the first part: I'm intrigued by Mitch Jebb. I think he'll be added to the 40-man in November, but he also has a semi-similar profile to Simon. That spring training stuff you mentioned with Garcia is real, too.

But having optionable bats, like Jebb and Simon would be, is a good thing.
Jimbo
1:20
All the players said they want Lowe back. Does that make any difference with Cherry or Nutting?
Colin Beazley
1:21
I think it does. Cherington publicly stating the Pirates would love to bring Lowe back matters, too, even if it is the correct and obvious answer.

What I found significant is some of those players were answering our questions, but a number of them brought up wanting Lowe back unprompted. He has been a model teammate and very productive on the field. We'll see if the Pirates can make a reunion happen.
JollyRoger8
1:21
No way should the Pirates bring in a 3B when they have Murf Gray waiting in the wings. Give him a couple weeks at Indy and bring him up. He is the real deal and provides a more balanced lineup as a power RH bat. If they resign Lowe great. Nicky G can be a utility guy or DH. Mark my words, Gray will be the best 3B the Pirates have had since Bill Madlock
Colin Beazley
1:23
High praise from JollyRoger there. I just hesitate to make major league decisions based around a prospect. There are very few sure things, and Gray isn't Konnor Griffin. I wouldn't block him with a multi-year deal, but I'd certainly be interested in, say, Alec Bohm, who you could get on a one-year deal and can play more than just third base.
Mark
1:23
Hi Colin.  One thing that irritated me about the season was that Reynolds was cemented in the 3 hole like he was Aaron Judge, where as everyone else, including Lowe were moved around in the lineup.  What are your thoughts on that?
Colin Beazley
1:26
Reynolds is also a switch-hitter without significant platoon splits (.779 OPS vs RHPs, .807 OPS vs LHPs). Answering this Q showed me he did have severe home/road splits (.899 OPS at home, .684 on the road). Interesting.

Reynolds is also someone who seems to like the predictability of a constant role. He started 157 games, after all. I've got no issue with him being sharpied into one spot, mostly because he hits both lefties and righties well.
PhilinCT
1:26
Mr Beazley, thanks for a great year. I was at the Ozuna cone-catch game (a heartbreaking ending) and was excited in following the team all year, especially with your writing. What is you singular Pirate memory/thought/impression for 2026?
Colin Beazley
1:30
Thank you for following along, Mr PhilinCT. And thanks for your questions all year.

Overall Pirate impression was that this year was one of progress, but one that wasn't good enough. The goal was playoffs. That didn't happen. But it was a fun year.
A Battlin Schmuck
1:30
A season of what ifs down the commode because that incompetent gm
Colin Beazley
1:30
Certainly a year of What Ifs. September had a lot of "what could have been," too.
JollyRoger8
1:30
I get frustrated when a big deal was made of Nutting “allowing” the payroll to increase to $110M this year. That is still 40-50M below just the average ML payroll. Without a floor I do not trust Nutting to invest to an average payroll. You can’t keep Lowe and pay the talented young players hen they reach arbitration without a significant increase in payroll.
Colin Beazley
1:34
You can with a salary dump. I would love to see payroll increase to the point where Lowe can be re-signed and the other issues are addressed, but I'm not holding my breath on it.

One thing I will say, that I'd meant to include in my CBA prediction, is I think both sides recognize that it's gotten harder for small market sides to compete. I do expect revenue sharing to change somewhat. Maybe that'll make it easier for Bob Nutting to justify spending more. Also possible it just leads to more profit. I guess we'll see, but I do expect that to be addressed.
JuniataKid
1:34
Do the owners need the OK from the players to implement revenue sharing? Because if not, wouldn’t that work as a cap?
Colin Beazley
1:36
The CBA includes what is counted as revenue and what is shared. Local television is a major chunk of that. It couldn't really be a cap, but that is one way to make it easier for the Pirates (and others) to raise payroll.
CT ART
1:36
Does Flores enter 2027 as #1 catcher..
Colin Beazley
1:38
I'd say yes, but it'll be interesting to see what the Pirates do this offseason at catcher. Flores' bat has been great, but his defense is a work in progress. Endy looked great, but his health is a major question mark. I think we know what we're getting with Henry Davis at this point. Maybe that's enough, or maybe it's worth going after a veteran. Certainly feels like less of a need this offseason than it did last year.
Robert Nutting
1:39
Dear Pirates Fans, there is absolutely zero chance I will bring back Lowe. You cheapskates showed what you think of my team by attendance being so Lowe. Pun intended. When I see increase in my overall earnings maaaaaybe I'll keep a Triolo or hows about we bring Ozuna back
Colin Beazley
1:39
It appears ownership has spoken, as first reported in the P-G live chat.

(Jokes, of course, but I did find this at least a little funny.)
OldDuffer
1:40
If there is a lockout, do the players get paid anyway since they have guaranteed contracts?
Colin Beazley
1:41
No, players do not get paid in a lockout. The MLBPA has assembled a "war chest" meant to ensure that players are taken care of throughout a lockout, as have the owners. Service time could be a consideration if games are missed, but that's a question for March or beyond.
Tourman
1:41
Current opinion/odds there will be a strike and/or lockout in '27??
Colin Beazley
1:41
100%. Where have you been, Tourman?

But we'll see if games end up being missed. I certainly hope they aren't.
Epiballo
1:42
Does the projected Skenes arbitration amount make it more unlikely they will sign Lowe? Thanks
Colin Beazley
1:44
Maybe a little? More payroll space makes a deal more likely, I guess. But Paul Skenes will make somewhere between $5m-$10m next season. That won't preclude the Pirates from bringing Lowe back if they're serious about bringing Lowe back.
JollyRoger8
1:49
Loved the Bob Nutting post. Hilarious! But he had a valid point. This was a very exciting Pirate team this year. Although they did not make the playoffs, the future is very bright. Yet attendance only improved by 200K and the Pirates only outdrew a few teams. I totally understand the fans frustration and only having 5 plus .500 teams in 34 years but  Pittsburgh did not support this team like they should have in my opinion
Colin Beazley
1:50
Glad you enjoyed, JollyRoger. But it's not a coincidence that the playoff teams of 2013-2015 were the highest attended.
Dan
1:50
Would N. Gonzales make a good DH?
Colin Beazley
1:51
He was very productive this year. I prefer to have an open DH spot to rotate in off days, but you could certainly do worse. I don't mind him being an option there.
Dan
1:51
If a cap and floor is not the end result , will there be more revenue sharing and some requirement to spend on salaries?
Colin Beazley
1:52
I don't think a floor would come without a cap, though I was amused by the soft floor the union proposed. But revenue sharing and making it easier for small market teams to spend is something I definitely think will be addressed.
1:53
Lot of good questions today, but wanted to make sure I got to every one for the end-of-season spectacular. Thank you all for participating and for following our coverage all season. I'm fortunate to get to do this, so thank you all for making it possible.

As I shared atop this chat, not sure what my offseason chat/mailbag schedule will be. I'll certainly do a few, but not sure when I'll do one of these next. I guarantee it'll be by the next time baseball is played.

In the meantime, if you've got questions, email me. Thank you as always for reading. Already looking forward to next time.
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