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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.20.26
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Jason Mackey
11:44
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Sorry we're a day late. Every day is Tuesday. These days at Pirate City make it tough. Anyway, we're back. We'll get started in about 15 minutes.
MUNKEEFIST
12:03
Have the Pirates made any statements about what kind of pitch limitations Paul Skenes will have in the WBC?
Jason Mackey
12:03
And away we go ...
They have not. Nor would I expect them to explicitly say something like that. His last outing was 3 innings. Would imagine he gets to 4 next week.
EHW
12:03
Are you getting the sense that the third base search is over and they are solely focused on adding a starter now? When would be considered too late into spring training to add a new player to the mix?
Jason Mackey
12:04
I don't think it's over, but my sense is that they're perfectly fine with Triolo there and aren't gonna sell the farm to get something. Only if they can get someone with power potential and club control.

I think adding a LH starter is probably more likely.
JuniataKid
12:04
Given Cruz’s awful season last year, is there a scenario (other than injury) where he loses his starting job during spring training? Mangum is a good on-base guy with speed and good defense. No power, though. If he has a great spring, any chance he’s our opening day center fielder?
Jason Mackey
12:05
There is not, no. Cruz will be your opening day center fielder, as long as he's healthy.
JuniataKid
12:05
I haven’t heard much at anll about Endy. What’s his situation and is he the opening day catcher at Indy?
Jason Mackey
12:05
I expect him & Flores to split time at Indy. His situation is catching, staying healthy and trying to hit. Talked to him a few days ago. He's doing great. Here's one quote: "I’m getting there, man. It’s been a long time without swinging a bat. I’m getting there."
George T
12:05
Hi Jason, with the new player who can hit does that make much harder for pitchers to pitch around someone and maybe give guys better pitches to hit.
Jason Mackey
12:06
Yes. Lineup protection. That's what they're going for.
Jimbo
12:06
Robin Yount was only 18 and only played 65 minor league games before starting in the majors, why can’t Connor start at short opening day?
Jason Mackey
12:07
*Konnor.

Jimbo, 22 players in the history of baseball -- yes, including Yount -- have made their MLB debut at shortstop at age 19 or younger. In the history of baseball.

I'm not saying Griffin can't. But the odds are stacked against him. Let's see games to find out which way this goes.
Mike
12:07
Any Chance that Pirates will resign Cutch at some point this year? If not will Cutch probably shun the Pirates henceforth?
Jason Mackey
12:08
I would be surprised if Cutch signs here. I don't think they have a role for him on the team, and I don't think he would want whatever tiny one they could carve out. Just not a fit roster-wise.
ACE
12:08
First time chatter. After all these years, finally excited enough to join. I saw a possible Bucco lineup which had Bart, Gonzales and Trioli batting bottom third. Not really Muders row!!! I hope not.
Jason Mackey
12:08
That could be your bottom-three, yes. I don't have an issue there, provided Griffin is coming up and Bart reverts back to 2024 form. As bottom-threes goes, it's fine, so long as the top-six does more.
Meowmix
12:08
If you had your pick of any two remaining free agents to add to the Pirates, who would they be, and why?
Jason Mackey
12:11
Realistically, I'd probably add a starting pitcher, Tyler Anderson or Patrick Corbin. Max Scherzer would be fun, but I don't see it happening. Second one, I wouldn't force a sign. I would use the money to acquire a 3B via trade.
Douggy18
12:11
really appreciated your recent article on Jack S.  Is there a team chaplain and who are some of the faith leaders in the clubhouse?
Jason Mackey
12:12
Thank you. Not my business to relay players' religious beliefs unless they're comfortable or consent. I only mention Jack because I did a story on it; it's obviously out there. Would certainly imagine someone replaces him as chaplain, though I don't know who that would be. Also possible Jack returns in a non-roster capacity.
Eustace
12:13
Hi Jason, in your humble opinion, what do you think was the driving factor that finally saw notorious cheapskate Bob Nutting loosen the purse strings and finally spend some money on this team? The constant "Sell the Team" chants? Pressure from the league to spend? Pressure from GMBC? Pressure from Paul Skenes?
Jason Mackey
12:13
I don't know, Eustace. I've wondered that question myself. Could be a little of all of these above: wasting two years of Skenes, possible lockout looming, tired of the planes flying and criticism ... I don't know 100% for sure but have to imagine all are inputs.
TheConfluence
12:14
Hi Jason, kudos to you and Colin on your coverage down there.  In reference to Griffin, do you think that the PPI 1st round pick may be a tipping point if Griffin is close to making the team?  As you know, the Bucs blew the PPI pick in '24 with Skenes because he didn't make the team out of spring training.  Thanks....
Jason Mackey
12:15
Thank you. I don't think it will be a tipping point. I could be wrong. But I think if it's even remotely close, they send him to Triple-A and prioritize his long-term development. All of this is so speculative. Let him play some, then let's assess more.
Wayward
12:15
Jason, first, thanks to you and Colin.  The content you have put out this week has been great.   I know in your column today you referenced that you thought the Bucs would still add a LP.  What is your take on 3B?  It looks like Mayo may be out of play with the Westburg injury; the Astros don't seem inclined to deal Paredes, and it has been quiet around Jung.  Do you think the Bucs will add someone and who may be reasonable remaining targets that are upgrades?
Jason Mackey
12:15
Thank you very much, Wayward. I'll say they add a LH starter but stand pat on a 3B. They still could add there, but rosters are kinda set around MLB at this point.
Reece
12:15
Happy to have you back in the beat, Jason. Is it safe the pirates will have Triolo at 3rd when we kickoff in New York next month?
Jason Mackey
12:16
Great to be back. They have made no determinations before the start of games, I can promise you that.
Paul
12:16
Are the bucs this confident in Triolo or are the asking prices just too high from Mets, Astros, etc?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Asks either too high or not the right ones, yes. I don't think they're offering what the Mets want. With Paredes, I think the salary is higher than they want to pay for that spot.
Ethan
12:17
Is it looking like Reynolds in LF and O'Hearn in RF when they're both in the outfield? Is there any confidence he can handle PNC LF again?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Yes, it is.

I actually think he'll be fine there. He knows it. Is he a Gold Glove candidate? No. But just keep the ball in front of you. I think people might be pleasantly surprised by Reynolds in left field. He was better after the All-Star break last year.
Wayward
12:17
Jason, I know we never know but what would your guess as to what a potential early contract extension for Griffin would be?  8/120 or would it need to be closer to 140?  Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:19
You're right, we don't know. I have a tough time seeing the Pirates go to $140 million, though. Maybe that scuttles a deal, I don't know. I just think going that far beyond the biggest contract in franchise history for a kid who's never played in MLB is probably unlikely.
Pav
12:19
With a real upgrade at 3B feeling more unlikely, would adding someone like Ramon Urias be something they could be interested in? The left side infield depth is pretty shaky if Griffin doesn’t start in the majors
Jason Mackey
12:20
It could. I guess I just don't see what Urias gives you that Triolo does not.
Guest
12:20
You and Colin both listed Ozuna as an Outfielder in a recent article. Do you see him getting playing time in the OF or will be strictly be a DH?
Jason Mackey
12:21
Strictly DH. That was more for housekeeping, because that's where he used to play.
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