JotCast | Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.05.26

Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.05.26

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Jason Mackey

12:42

If he's ready, they should. If they extend him, Super-2 doesn't matter. Year 1 of his contract starts now. There's no arbitration, etc. An extension would simplify that. You know his amount for that year.

Greg

12:42

I've seen the Mets rumors with Vientos and Baty but correct me if I'm wrong, IF it were to be either of them, it would almost have to be Vientos, given that Baty is a lefty?

Jason Mackey

12:43

I don't think they would pick one over the other based solely on handedness. Though it might be an input.

Chuck

12:43

I don't love the Ozuna fit as a DH-only, but some other right-handed bats that are still available might make sense, particuarly outfielders. Have you heard anything about a Starling Marte reunion? He's had trouble staying on the field the past few seasons, but he's still been effective when healthy.

Jason Mackey

12:43

I have not. I also don't think there's a great fit there. They need to address third base. Unless Marte suddenly plays third base, not sure what we're doing here.

JuniataKid

12:43

With Justin Horowitz gone, who’s going to be the talent spotter for this year’s draft?

Jason Mackey

12:44

AGM Kevan Graves is spearheading the amateur scouting department through the draft.

Randy

12:44

Do you think the minor league deal with clevinger is their last pitching addition?

Jason Mackey

12:44

No, I don't. They'll add to the MLB starting rotation, likely with a lefty.

Terry Martin

12:44

Hey Jason, super job keeping we Bucco fans in the know! I like your style of reporting. It's honest and informative! No super hyped nonsense from your point of view. Our FO has been busy and its about time! I'm still hoping they can land a 3rd baseman and a lefty starter...been seeing alot of rumors from the Mets! I like the idea of Baty or Veintos and Peterson! Know BC is pretty shrewd...hope he can pull it off without sending Bubba or Ashcroft to the Metropolitans Beat' em Bucs...Terry in Ga

Jason Mackey

12:45

Thanks, Terry. Front office might be busy, but it's not showing up in results. Need it to show up in results here soon. Would be stunned if they traded either of those two.

Aidan

12:45

Any chance they move to the next tier of starters like Bassitt, Giolito, or Gallen, or was Framber the only guy they were interested apart from cheap no. 5 starters types

Jason Mackey

12:45

I think the Framber stuff was blown out of proportion. They weren't going to offer anything more than a short-term deal that he was never going to take.

529

12:45

I can't help but think that the offseason was a player or two short of great, but without that additional player or two it feels super underwhelming. Agree?

Jason Mackey

12:46

Offseason isn't over. I know fans want the team set by spring. That's not how the team thinks. Me personally, I think there's value in having everyone there together. That's why I think they need to get a move on it. But games don't start Monday.

Ryan

12:46

Expecting any moves by the end of the week?

Jason Mackey

12:46

I was expecting one or two before now -- and post Suarez -- so I might be the one person to ask.

Dan N

12:47

How could the Pirates brass be so wrong on Henry Davis as a big league hitter? Does he hit .200 this year ?

Jason Mackey

12:47

I don't think Henry Davis is a finished product. I'm sure not betting against the kid who went from lousy to very good defensively in a short period of time. I wanna hear him out at the plate. And, yes, I do.

Mike

12:47

I may have missed it earlier and if I did apologies. Is there any noise on the Quintana front, like to see him come back

Jason Mackey

12:47

It's the name I hear most frequently among LH starter options for them. But no news.

Jeff Spicoli

12:47

Would you say Seth Hernandez is the only untouchable in the minor league system? Getting Bohm or Jung will take solid prospects and Hernandez should be off limits.

Jason Mackey

12:48

Yeah, I think that's probably fair. You also don't want to sell the farm. But if you're asking strictly off-limits, I would agree.

Chester

12:48

what are the chances griffin makes the opening day roster? If the team doesn’t add another impact bat to the lineup would the FO feel the pressure to plug him into lineup as fast as possible?

Jason Mackey

12:49

I can't give you a percentage. If he shows he's ready, I don't think they're going to stop him. You also can't force it. If he struggles in spring, there's nothing wrong with him playing in Triple-A for a little.

Duncan

12:49

Will Jack Suwinski be the 4th outfielder and is this season his last chance with the pirates? Feel like the pirates could’ve added some cheap outfield depth like the cubs did Chas McCormick.

Jason Mackey

12:50

I still don't understand the Suwinski move. Needs a change of scenery. They don't need another lefty or the outfield depth. And he's not gonna produce in sporadic playing time. You're gonna play Cruz, Reynolds, O'Hearn, Mangum and Password. Triolo could go out there in a pinch. Cutch, too, assuming he's back. I just don't think there's a need to add much there.

Jordan

12:50

Terry in GA wrote Cherington is pretty shrewd. What’s your sense of the GM?

Jason Mackey

12:52

I honestly don't know, Jordan. Maybe calculated? Previously I think Cherington probably avoided risk more than he should. He's found some solid deals this offseason. I really like it. But he seems to be really, really trying to ensure this last one works. I don't know. Cherington can also be a tough guy to read. Keeps things pretty close to the vest with us.

Gene

12:52

What’s the latest news on Endy Rodriquez

Jason Mackey

12:53

He's healthy, doing everything. Elbow feels great. He's primarily a catcher. Will play some first in spring. But most of all -- and I really like Endy; awesome kid -- he just needs to hit. And stay healthy, of course. I think they're related.

Paul

12:53

I kind of like Miguel Andujar as a cheaper option of RH bat that could play some 3rd and OF. Did they consider signing him?

Jason Mackey

12:53

Consider, yes. A likely fit, no. Things didn't end great with Andujar here. Not sure how much he would want to come back, and I think the org probably figured it could replicate about what he's gonna do without the contract.

eyrich

12:54

How do trade negotiations proceed between team FOs before the GM and then the owner get involved?

Jason Mackey

12:54

I'm not a GM, so I'm not expert. Also, I'd imagine most trade negotiations involve the GM. Kind of his/her job. If they're big enough, you know it to see it. Then you get the owner involved, I would imagine.

Duncan

12:59

Will Rafael Flores see playing time this season? And what’s your sense of the catching situation?

Jason Mackey

1:03

I think he will seeing playing time, yes. Will be interesting to see where it comes from, however.

I do think they wind up trading Joey Bart as part of something to net a third baseman. I also think that's an option because Henry Davis catches more Pirates pitchers & is also a better defensive catcher than Bart.

Maybe that means Flores starts up here as a backup. I could also see them signing a backup and keeping Flores in Triple-A, at least to start, along with Endy Rodriguez.

62 Stack Monster

1:04

With OHearn, does Horowitz become expendable?

Jason Mackey

1:04

Absolutely not. Was one of their best hitters last year. Maybe the best, depending on what numbers you want to look at.

Fire BC

1:04

Do you think they have settled with using Triolo at 3B to start the season and if they’re in contention at the deadline they’ll trade for one?

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