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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.09.26
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Jay
12:50
I enjoy your Pirates coverage and analysis. Within their budget what moves do you think the Pirates need to make to be a playoff team and what rookie do you see making the biggest impact for them?
Jason Mackey
12:51
Thanks, Jay. Second one is easy: Konnor Griffin. I still think trade for a third baseman and add a quality fifth starter, a lefty. If you can get another reliever on top of that, great.
Guest
12:51
Is it impossible for the pirate to sign Suarez even tho you said it’s unlikely  do you think they might still have a little chance
Jason Mackey
12:52
I'm sure there's a chance. I just don't think it's very good. I think he'll get $15-$20 million and 3 years. I think that's a little above -- on both fronts -- where the Pirates are comfortable going.
The Confluence
12:52
In my view, I think the fanbase is not including both Garcia and Flores enough in terms of not only making the roster, but the possibility to start as well.  What say you?
Jason Mackey
12:53
I think Davis will start. And I think Garcia is the fifth OF option behind Cruz, Reynolds, O'Hearn and Mangum. I think it's more likely he starts in Triple-A. And Flores will as well, unless they trade Bart.
Ejav
12:53
I thought Chase Shugart pitched well last year. What was the Pirates thought process for DFA'ing him.
Jason Mackey
12:54
Would imagine it's that they thought he had the best chance to pass through. I agree with you. But he might've been quiet enough about it that nobody tries to claim a 29-year-old with little experience who was also hurt in 2025.
Josh
12:54
Appreciate the chats and all your great work. What do you hear about Jared Jones’ progress and do you see him eased back into the rotation or a bullpen role?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Thanks, Josh. Everything has gone well. He's throwing off flat ground. No issues. Elbow healing nicely. They say May-June, which probably means June. I'm not rushing Jones. Too important.
Ben
12:55
Hey jason, do you think the pirates bring back pham or cutch on a discount deal to be a bench player/pinch hitter or does that just block a roster spot for the Password? Thanks -
Jason Mackey
12:56
Pham, no. They could bring back Cutch. That's a separate discussion. My opinion, it hinges on a Bart trade. If they move him, because he has value and they could spend his salary differently, it opens up a path for Cutch: a righty without a set defensive spot who hits lefties well. They also need to be concerned with Cutch's legacy and ensuring this doesn't get ugly.
SDWC
12:56
It’s great that the Pirates went out and obtained a couple of proven players. But if the current crop doesn’t improve their performance from last year, I fear it’s not going to make much difference and the new guys will just get dumped at the trade deadline. What’s the best path of success for the legacy players to provide more value?
Jason Mackey
12:57
To play better? Not trying to be a smart aleck, but yeah, Reynolds, Cruz and others needs to play better. There's a lot that goes into that. Cruz might be the single-most important player on their roster because of what his ceiling COULD be.
Josh
12:57
I’m glad Mitch Keller is still here. Think he’s a great #3 behind Skenes & Chandler. At this point do you feel the trade buzz regarding him is pretty much done?
Jason Mackey
12:58
Yeah. I'm expecting -- barring something crazy and unforeseen -- him to be a Pirate in 2026.
Ben
12:58
Hey jason, do the pirates actually have any more arms to trade, isn’t it the case that most of their starters are on inning restrictions? Wouldn’t it be better for them to sign a 3B or do you get the sense that nutting is done spending? Thanks -
Jason Mackey
12:59
Not done spending ... but also not spending $20 million a year on Suarez. They need to add back pitching. If they have to trade, say, Harrington for Josh Jung -- which was brought up earlier -- that does hit your pitching depth. Jung is also cheaper than Alec Bohm. So, you maybe have to take that $7.5 million savings and buy more pitching on top of what you already needed. I don't hate it. You need a third baseman. Just saying that's part of the calculus.
Josh
12:59
With Henry Davis & Bart the primary catchers, what do you think the plans are for Endy & Rafsel
Jason Mackey
1:00
Would imagine starting in Triple-A, barring a trade. Endy needs to catch and show he can stay healthy. They both need at-bats. Bide their time and wait for opportunity. Not much else they can do.
Ben
1:00
Hey jason, I still dont understand the falter trade. Wouldn’t he be an asset as 5th starter going into this year? Thanks -
Jason Mackey
1:01
He might, sure. That said, Sisk and Moss have been promising. But I tend to agree with you. I'd love to have Bailey Falter on the team right now. I think they screwed up there.
Pirate Parrot
1:01
Any juicy rumblings of anything different for Pirates Fest this year? Different setups, player appearances, etc.? Maybe you'll have an autograph table setup in a corner somewhere?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Ha! Yeah, there's the rumbling. I'll set up an autograph table for myself ... that will remain empty. Get your newspaper signed by Jason Makey.
Not happening
1:02
They are getting anyone else are they ?
Jason Mackey
1:02
No, they are.
Fr. Max
1:02
Should I come bless the field at PNC Park at the home opener ? This team needs divine intervention at this point
Jason Mackey
1:02
Absolutely. You're welcome any time.
Chris
1:03
glad to hear they have someone working with Cruz… have you heard any similar plans for  Davis?
Jason Mackey
1:03
They're vastly different people. Henry needs decaf coffee more than he needs someone working with him like Cruz.
Matt L
1:03
I agree, absolutely should extend Griffin. Any idea what that looks like, specifically as far as 2026 salary.
Jason Mackey
1:04
Not for 2026 specifically, Matt. But Chourio was $82 M, I think, Anthony like $130 M. I don't think either extreme gets it done. But what about like $110 for 8? AAV of $13.75 M? Truly just spitballing.
Frank k
1:04
Jason. I like the chats. If the Phillies sign Bichette, it could open a trade for Bohm.Maybe Bart and a lower level pitcher?
Jason Mackey
1:05
I'd do that in a heartbeat, Frank.
Dan N
1:05
I know BC said yesterday he sees Nicky G as a shortstop possibly..I sure don’t but wg
here does he fit ?
Jason Mackey
1:06
I was there. I think it's more than he CAN play shortstop. I don't know where Nick fits. Might be major league depth. Perhaps part of a trade. Not totally clear cut at this point. But if Lowe is playing most days at second, Nick G will have to be comfortable somewhere else.
Matt L
1:06
Its been reported that the Pirates likely won't go more than $110 Million in payroll this year. Have you heard any different than that? It seems like it will be difficult to add a quality 3b, and a backend starter for only 14-15 million. This seems to completely end any speculation on Suarez, as he will command around 20 mil per year.
Jason Mackey
1:07
Yeah, I agree with most of that. I'm not expecting payroll to be over $110 M. Same time, if you trade Bart, acquire Bohm and sign, say, Anderson/Corbin/Quintana, that should get you in under $110 M.
Wayward
1:07
Jason, thanks for the chats.  I know you have suggested Bohm as a good fit and I like that option also.  As a fallback what do you think about Jung?  He would seem to be a little more of chance given the past year or so.
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