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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.09.26
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Jason Mackey
1:07
Yeah, I would be completely on board with that. As long as you're not paying through the nose to get him.
Frank
1:07
Assuming 13pitchers on the team. Who do you see as the last 13!
Jason Mackey
1:08
It's too early, Frank. They have other adds/tweaks. We're wasting our time to try and dummy out the 13th person on a staff on Jan. 9. I'm sorry.
Les Lee
1:08
Hi Jason, With the improvements that the Pirates have made this off season, I think that the Pirates will win between 83 to 86 games. That won't get them into the playoffs. Do you think that is a accurate assessment and if so, what can they do to get them closer to 90 wins?
Jason Mackey
1:09
I think that's fair, Les. I've talked a lot about 3B, SP/RP. Also, internal stuff. Reynolds finding his All-Star form. Cruz finally figuring it out. Better defense. Hitting with runners in scoring position. All kinds of stuff they can improve, obviously.
Friend in PA
1:09
Saw a piece that had Realmuto supposedly on the Pirates' radar? Doesn't make sense even though C didn't produce last year. There is still four who can play in the major leagues.
Jason Mackey
1:09
I don't get that. They already have a logjam there. Payroll's not going up more than $15 million from its current form. Even then, I worry. And they're not going to address 3B, SP and RP by adding another catcher? Come on.
John
1:10
Hi Jason, love your work and I really hope you stick around Pirates baseball coverage with everything going on. Have you heard anything in terms of a new possible payroll ceiling? Early off-season estimates were around 30-40 million and I think they've already reached the high-end threshold. We've been talking about trades for offense (I agree with you that's the route) but I think a back end rotation piece and another bullpen arm will cost them at least 10 mil. I'm guessing they end up around 110 mil?
Jason Mackey
1:10
Yeah, I think it falls slightly under that. Just depends on who they add. Bohm would be more, Jung less. There are other 3B trade options who would give more flexibility on pitching.
Guest
1:10
I really do not get trading burrows for a rental in Lowe if the pirates are not gonna open their wallets. They literally just used money to refill from Hayes and bednar lost last year it’s embarrassing how easy these fans fall fo it.
Jason Mackey
1:11
You're allowed to feel however you want. I have no issue with the Lowe trade.
Josh
1:11
Buehler Buehler Buehler…no seriously any chance they add Walker as a bounce back candidate to eat some innings at the back of the rotation. Does the rotation add that BC alluded to have to be a lefty?
Jason Mackey
1:11
It doesn't have to be. I think it makes more sense for it to be a lefty. But if you could get Buehler for cheap, I'd entertain it. Would also depend on medicals.
PrinceBob
1:11
Yes, I was sort of thinking that the Pirates have improved more than any othe CentRl team.
Jason Mackey
1:11
They legit have.
John
1:11
Starling Marte was a fantastic player? What is that question lol
Jason Mackey
1:12
I'm not saying he's a Hall of Famer, but he's different than Polanco.
Alex
1:12
What does the bench look like right now?  I assume Bart/Davis, Triolo (assuming they acquire a 3B).  Who do you think fills the other 3 spots?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Yeah, assuming Bohm/Jung ... maybe 2C, Nick G., Cutch and someone else? That would mean, in no order: CF Cruz, RF Reynolds, LF Mangum, DH O'Hearn, 3B Bohm/Jung, SS Triolo, 2B Lowe, 1B Horwitz, C Davis.
Ryan
1:16
Good afternoon Jason what other moves will the pirates Make i think they need a third baseman LETS GO BUCS
Jason Mackey
1:16
I agree, Ryan. Bohm, Jung? A bat on the left side of the infield and SP/RP depth.
Friend in PA
1:16
Does Endy have a future - C? 1B? OF?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Tough to see now, honestly. He hasn't played outfield in some time. Maybe first, but he's behind a few. Honestly, just needs to show he can stay healthy and hit.
Marc
1:16
Hey Jason, what do you envision Endy Rodriguez's 2026 to be? I think he starts the year at AAA and has to prove he's healthy and productive enough for a call-up.
Jason Mackey
1:17
I agree with that. He's not in the major league picture right now.
JuniataKid
1:17
Which is more likely true: Reynolds has a bounce-back year or he’s pretty much finished as a legit threat at the plate?
Jason Mackey
1:17
I don't think Reynolds is anywhere near finished.
Alex
1:17
I have seen some people suggest the Astros may want to shed some payroll after signing Imai.  Would Parades be someone the Pirates could consider?  Or is he too pricey either financially or in prospect capital?
Jason Mackey
1:18
He's someone they should consider. Whatever happens in arb, salary is reasonable. That's a non-issue. I can't speak to a potential ask. That would be the only prohibitive thing. But the rest checks out.
PrinceBob
1:18
Has the off season so far made the Pirates a more attractive destination for free agents, i.e, is there less need to overspend for them?
Jason Mackey
1:18
I still think you need to pay a Pirates tax. But it has also improved some. Ultimately, though, nothing matters until they win.
Mike
1:19
Do you think Davis will ever become a good mlb hitter?
Jason Mackey
1:19
I do, yes.
BillC
1:19
What sort of package would you think gets a Bohm trade done
Jason Mackey
1:20
Honestly, if they sign Bichette, the Phillies would likely want upside -- and they'd be OK if it was lower-levers. I think the Pirates would be OK trading that. I can't give you names, but it should be easily doable.
Alex
1:20
People that keep saying we traded Burrows for Lowe know we got 3 people back right?
Jason Mackey
1:20
People are always gonna be mad, Alex. Don't waste your time.
#WinterOfBen
1:20
That's a shame. Hoping the best for Endy he was electric in Triple A a couple years ago.
Jason Mackey
1:21
Yeah, we'll see. Great kid. I just want him to be healthy. And I worry about his future catching; been a lot of elbow issues. I respect allowing him to try, which they're doing, but his arm isn't cooperating.
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Have a podcast with the Beaz to prepare for. Thanks so much for the flexibility and multitude of questions. A pleasant surprise! Until next week ...
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