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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 01.22.26
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Jason Mackey
12:28
Good morning, martian. Same as I've been saying. Kind of a holding pattern. Still think something is gonna happen. But, yeah, it's getting kinda late. They have a couple moves they need to make.
Owen of OH
12:28
Do you think that with the recent trades that it signifies the Pirates are transitioning from rebuild to contender?
Jason Mackey
12:29
They should've been transitioning out of a rebuild long ago. And they're not a contender, although they could compete for a playoff spot if they complete their offseason the right way.
Reece
12:29
Is it your understanding that Cherington is only going to remain in Pittsburgh if he makes the playoffs?
Jason Mackey
12:30
I don't think it's that black and white. But I do think he would be fired if they have another 76-win season.
Dan N
12:30
Do you think there might be a chance in order to sign Suarez at let’s say 20 million a year ther would consider trading Reynolds to let’s say KC in order to make the money work ?
Jason Mackey
12:31
I highly doubt that, Dan. On a few different levels. The biggest might be trading Reynolds, honestly. I don't think they're interested, and there are probably questions about his value after how last season went.
max
12:31
Chances we sign suarez? Are they in on him or not?
Jason Mackey
12:31
Monitoring and keeping tabs? Sure. A favorite or aggressively in pursuit? No. I don't think it's terribly likely.
Cam M
12:31
Hey Jason, thanks for doing these. Always fun to read while I’m at work. I don’t hear a lot of rumblings about Harrison Bader - but he’s a right handed hitter with a .796 OPS last year and a great glove. I know we’d prefer a 3B over OF at this point, but if Suarez signs elsewhere… what’re your thoughts on his fit with us? Have you heard anything?
Jason Mackey
12:32
I liked the fit early on. But not with their current OF setup. They'd be clogged with trying to play Mangum, needing to get O'Hearn at-bats and what Garcia could bring. I just don't think it's worth it. Spend the money at third. Or on Griffin.
max
12:32
what other moves will they make before the season?
Jason Mackey
12:33
Max, where ya been, man?

Third base, either through trade or FA. A fifth starter, probably a left-hander, probably someone they've had before. Could be another potential back-end guy, depending on the first two. I wouldn't rule out a Joey Bart trade and/or a Cutch signing.
JBird
12:33
Great piece on Skenes- really enjoyed the read and getting to peak inside his head a bit. Is it getting too late to make a move for a 3rd baseman or is there still hope that something gets done before spring training?
Jason Mackey
12:34
Thanks, JBird. Appreciate the kind words. I don't think it's too late, no. There are options available. More than you think, honestly. Might be trade, which is fine. Just need to upgrade the bat there, IMO.
Mb
12:34
How do you see the bull pen middle relief looking??
Jason Mackey
12:36
Let's start from the back out ... Easy ones:
Santana
Soto
Mattson
Lawrence
Nicolas
Mlodzinski
Ramirez
Montgomery

Could see Sisk, Sanders ... then you have a bunch of younger guys to fill in from there.
Matt L
12:36
I was pleased to see that Yoan Moncada signed with the Angels. Didn’t like the fit here with the Pirates. Any news on 3b targets?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Not a ton, Matt. Sorry. When we get it, we'll certainly share it.
anthony castellano
12:36
probably super popular question, but who is best scenario for 3rd? And any insight on what is in the works?
Jason Mackey
12:37
Yeah, this is a popular one. For perfectly understandable reasons.

Best-case scenario, honestly, would be obtaining someone with years of control. I'd like Jordan Westburg. Josh Jung makes sense, too. Guys with potential potential who could grow into that spot. They also wouldn't come cheap.

Which is why I'd have no issue on Bohn. Yandy Diaz also intrigues me, but you don't hear much about his availability.
Ethan
12:38
Any chance the Pirates make a trade for another leverage arm? Edwin Uceta would be perfect (former GMBC waiver claim broke out in Tampa, cheap and controllable, going to arb over $325K difference, Rays BADLY need catching help)
Jason Mackey
12:39
I like Uceta. Maybe that works. Don't hate it, though can't confirm talks or anything like that.

Yeah, I could see them trying to get another leverage arm. As I said, I think it depends on some factors. Would be contract, the give to get, etc. But if you're gonna move Bart and cash in on some value, a reliever in return would make sense.
Pitts
12:39
We should move on from cutch, he’s no superstar that everyone thinks he is,
Jason Mackey
12:40
Perfectly valid opinion. I can see both sides here. That's why I think saying this is it, honoring a part-time DH role and his career offers the best compromise. But people wanting them to shoot higher, I get it.s
Ethan
12:40
If the biggest hiccup on Suarez is his desire to come here and not a big gap in money, how could the Pirates best use those funds to make the team competitive in 2026?
Jason Mackey
12:41
Yeah, it's a good point, Ethan. I thin Suarez came here for a smaller deal -- let's say he suddenly became addicted to fries on salad and infuriating traffic -- they'd pay that. So what do you do with that money if he says no?

Again, I'd try to trade for a 3B and extend Griffin.
JollyRoger8
12:41
Do you think Cutch will be signed prior to Piratefest? With the numerous PR nightmares the Pirates inflicted upon themselves last year you would have thought he would have been signed by now. Granted his role would be diminished but he was still their 3rd best hitter last year and would seem to fit as a DH when there is a LH pitcher
Jason Mackey
12:42
At this point, no. I haven't heard of any active talks. PiratesFest is in 48 hours. Everything I've heard is that they wanted to focus on other parts of their offseason first.
Pavs01
12:42
With it being a month since the last real move, do you think they’re waiting for the Suárez decision before they do anything else? Or does it have nothing to do with Suárez and they’ve just not been able to come to agreements with anyone for one reason or another?
Jason Mackey
12:43
I would imagine it's an input but not a primary driver, if that makes sense. I don't think they're close enough with him to where they have to seriously consider it. I think it's probably negotiating with another team on the trade front.
Ethan
12:43
Are the Pirates in the market for a utility infielder or two, separate from whatever they do at 3B? The next men up if someone were to get hurt right now are Yorke/Valdez/Simon/Wendzel and that's...not great
Jason Mackey
12:44
I would be surprised there. Their needs at this point:
3B or left-side-of-the-infield guy
SP
OF (GMBC has used the word opportunistic)
Slightly similar approach to RP
JollyRoger8
12:44
With the Blue Jays signing of Okamoto is there any discussion of the Pirates engaging in trade talks with the Jays for Addison Barger? He would be a perfect addition at 3B with multiple years of control.
Jason Mackey
12:44
Not that I've heard. You also don't hear many internal trade talks leaked. For understandable reasons. Also, if I knew of those discussions, I'm paid to report them. Not gonna keep that one in.
JuniataKid
12:45
Given just how bad the Pirates were offensively last year, can they afford to pass on Cutch, who was one of their better hitters last year (not saying much)? As a 26th man, who out there is better?
Jason Mackey
12:45
There are a lot of people out there who had better than a .700 OPS last season. Not throwing shade at Cutch, but being one of the Pirates' better hitters isn't a terribly huge accomplishment.
California Penal League All-Stars
12:45
As we get closer to spring training, are there any under the radar players we should keep an eye on? Someone that could compete for a roster spot bow, or help at some point in the season after starting in Indianapolis?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I think Flores could develop and come up and help. Depending on what happens with Joey Bart. Don't know if that's under the radar.

Mason Montgomery is someone who intrigues me. Don't know if he would start at Triple-A, but the stuff is really good. Not a lot of position players I'd call a surprise. Password? I feel like that's not what you're asking.
Ryan
12:47
Good afternoon Jason will the pirates sign or trade any players before spring training starts Let’s Go Bucs can’t wait for baseball to be Back
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