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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.09.26
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Jason Mackey
11:45
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my Pirates chat. I appreciate the flexibility with the days. Yesterday was busy with arb stuff & O'Hearn. We'll get started in about 15 minutes. Feel free to fire away now.
12:02
And away we go ...
12:05
Sorry, gang. Was finishing up a Sunday feature. For real this time.
Douggy18
12:05
given the Bucs willingness to spend, what 3rd baseman currently not on our roster is the best attainable, will improve the offense and not kill our defense?
Jason Mackey
12:06
My pick would be Alec Bohm. If the Phillies wind up signing Bo Bichette, makes perfect sense. Acquisition cost would be low. Bohm's offense and defense check out. No risk beyond this year. Salary fits.
JBird
12:06
Glad to see you back on the Pirates chats!!! What do you think is more likely- trading for a 3rd baseman, signing a free agent 3rd baseman, or sticking with what they have and put Triolo there?
Jason Mackey
12:07
I think trading for a third baseman. If they were going to sign Suarez, I'd love the FA route. I don't think they will. I don't see the need for Yoan Moncada. They can replicate that with Triolo.
Butch
12:07
Seeing that some free agents steer clear of the Pirates due to owner investment issues is it possible for a free agent to tie their contract to the owner spending?  For instance, player signs a 5 year contract.  However, each year is a renewal based on ownership being in the top 40 percent of league salary.  This would enable BC to avoid having to overspend on free agents.
Jason Mackey
12:08
I suppose they could. But I can't imagine the Pirates would ever do that. I'm also no expert in contract language, so who knows if there's some sort of legal nuance stopping this. I just can't see Nutting making that sort of assertion.
epiballo
12:08
Hi Jason! Love your work and hope we get to continue enjoying it past May 3rd. The Pirates have done well this offseason. Fans are actually getting excited. What is the one remaining move that you see could put them over the top?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Thank you. You'll see me beyond May 3. I'm confident of that. I think it's just TBD where that is. Hope there's a miracle and it's here, honestly.

Extending Konnor Griffin. I think Bohm makes sense. They could use a veteran lefty starter; Anderson, Quintana, Corbin and a few others would work. But I think Griffin sends a message loud and clear to fans that they get it. Would be terrific money spent.
epiballo
12:09
How confident are you that we won't see the same O'Neil Cruz in 2026, but he will become more consistent and productive? That would be huge! Is he doing similar things as Skenes to hit the ground running in Bradenton?
Jason Mackey
12:10
Quite, actually. I can't give away too much, but you'll find out why tomorrow. Have a story publishing on this. My story: The Pirates have hired someone who could be a game-changer for Cruz this season.
PrinceBob
12:10
Do you know how much the Pirates' payroll is at this time? And do you have any thoughts about what it might be on Opening Day/
Jason Mackey
12:11
They're around $95-$96 million in current commitments. Ethan, if you're in here, I'm ballparking because I have a lot of questions to get to. I'll go somewhere between $105-$110 million.
epiballo
12:11
Who will be in the starting rotation? I keep reading that they need to add another starter, but it seems to me that they have players ready to take the ball on the tail end of the rotation (Armstrong, Jones).
Jason Mackey
12:13
I'm not sure who Armstrong is, unless I'm missing something. Rotation as of now: Skenes, Chandler, Keller and Ashcraft. I'll bet they add a fifth via FA. Harrington & Barco in the mix. ... Jones won't be back until May/June. Mlodzinski could be in the mix, though I'd think more long relief or leverage than starting pitcher.
Jimbo
12:13
Brian, do you think the pirates will concentrate Flores at catcher now that they have O’Hearn? Can he push Davis and Bart?
Jason Mackey
12:14
Brian? That's definitely a first.

That has been his primary position, and I would expect it to continue. At this point -- and there's nothing wrong with this -- he's blocked by veteran players. Great. Produce and wait for your opportunity.

No, I don't think he's going to supplant Henry Davis. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up trading Bart.
PrinceBob
12:15
Based on what you've seen so far in this off season what NL Central Division teams have improved the most and the least?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Here's one you might not expect: the Pirates. But I think it's how your question is worded. Improved the most? They have. It's just that the offensive bar was so darn low. But they would be my pick.
JR
12:17
Happy and Healthy New Year Jason. Can you comment on the status of Termarr Johnson please. I realize he’s still young but you don’t hear much about him. I thought Griffin and Johnson were going to be our middle infield for a long time, but now I’m not so sure.
Jason Mackey
12:18
Yeah, I don't know what you're looking for here. Termarr is now blocked by Brandon Lowe. No offense to Termarr, but good. Happy to have Lowe here. Maybe Termarr gets traded? Griffin is their shortstop of the future. Could also be that Termarr has to spend the 2026 season working and producing, then he takes over for Lowe. I think Termarr still has some development to complete before that happens.
JuniataKid
12:18
Jason, I’m sorry to hear about the PG going away. Any idea what he future holds for you and the rest of the sports department (the only reason I subscribe!)?
Jason Mackey
12:19
Thank you for your concern. Honestly, no. It's two days old. The only thing I can tell you is that I love this business, I love writing about baseball, and I'd really like to remain around both. It would also be awesome if there was some sort of miracle and the Post-Gazette didn't have to close. I'm naturally a pretty positive person -- at least I try -- so I'm rooting for that.
Pwitt
12:19
Hi Jason. What return might the Pirates expect if trading Joey Bart?  I believe that Flores could replace Bart as both catcher and 1B depth with Davis starting behind the plate.
Jason Mackey
12:21
These are hard. I have no way of predicting what another team will give up. But I can say Bart has value. Teams have been interested in him before. So, I could see him being part of a deal to land a 3B or perhaps prospects who are then used to acquire a 3B.
Bob
12:21
Hi Jason, do you believe that there is a chance for Suwinski to make the team coming out of spring training? Or are they more likely to give a new guy (Mangum or Garcia) an opportunity?  Assuming they are all healthy and have a good spring.
Jason Mackey
12:22
I don't see a pathway for Suwinski here. You have Cruz, Reynolds, partially O'Hearn and Mangum. They're all better immediate options, and you can make the case Garcia deserves to play. I like Jack. But I don't get why they brought him back. Needs a change of scenery. Could still get it via trade.
RS
12:22
Good morning and thank you for the chat! Happy with the offseason so far and I really like the additions they have made so far. I think they still need to address third base as I like Triolo more as a utility guy. Is there anyone out there that you think would be an upgrade? I'm not looking for them to go nuts and sign Suarez, just someone who would be a nice upgrade at third and put a bow on this offseason. Thank you!
Jason Mackey
12:23
Yeah, Bohm is my number one. Josh Jung is another guy who would make sense. .251, 14 HR, 61 RBI in 2025. 2023 All-Star: 23 HR, .781 OPS.

I think the price on Jordan Westburg from the Orioles might be too high, but I like him, too.
MarissMeow
12:23
What would you classify as the three current greatest needs for the Pirates? How might they solve them? On a sadder note, my deepest condolences to you and your coworkers on the closing po the PPG. You will be missed.
Jason Mackey
12:24
I'm not dying! Geesh.

That could be a big question, but I'll go remaining offseason needs:

  1. Third base. Complete the offseason offensive revamp right.
  2. A fifth starter. Lefty.
  3. Extend Griffin.
They do those three things, their approval rating -- in my opinion -- is going to be very good. Would be awfully hard to quibble with that offseason.
The Eman
12:24
Jason, I’ve really enjoyed your insightful articles over the years. Hope all works out well for you and the other great PG sports writers as the PG goes through radical changes.
Jason Mackey
12:25
Thanks, Eman. Me, too. Weird times. Not giving up hope, though. You'll be stuck with me somewhere.
Kirk
12:26
I've always enjoyed your coverage of the Pirates even though I have not enjoyed the team. You even called me once about my grandfather who played in the Negro leagues. You do an outstanding job and your passion is displayed in the high quality of the work you do. At least at this time it appears we will only have your services available for a little more than a month into the upcoming season. Can you share your thoughts on how your coverage will wrap up when the newspaper closes. Is there going to be any change to your coverage this spring?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Hey Kirk! Great to hear from you.

I'm not interested in planning funerals, but I can tell you this: I'm told nothing changes for us until May 3. You're gonna get the same effort/quality from me. I'm gonna get the same support from the P-G. That means full travel, in spring the whole time, writing a bunch, telling stories, chats, etc.

Again, I don't know what it means post-May 3. I'm hoping we keep doing our jobs well and something changes on the business end. If not, I'll trust that I've done this well enough for long enough that I'll have options.
Brucelet
12:28
What do you think about the Pirates trading Joey Bart and Jack Suwinski for Alec Bohm, then using their cash to sign JT Realmuto? That would be epic.
Jason Mackey
12:29
Ha. How much do you charge for tickets to Fantasy Land? Are you running any specials?
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