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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 02.20.26
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Rich
12:21
Jason, what are the chances any of the following things happen now that we’re getting ready for spring games to start
  1. The Pirates acquiring a 3B
  2. The Pirates acquiring a lefty SP
  3. A Konnor Griffin extension
Jason Mackey
12:22
I can't give you percentage, Rich. If I ranked them, I would say SP, 3B, extension. But I don't even know how odds work, let alone have the ability to apply them here.
GPT
12:22
I know he doesn't have the power you want from a corner OF, but is Jake Mangum in the mix for a starting role?
Jason Mackey
12:22
He's not, no. At least not starting every day. He's depth. Might play against lefties, come on as a sub & spell guys. But your starting OF should be Reynolds, Cruz & O'Hearn.
Marc
12:22
Hey Jason, thanks for the chat. If Bart is traded as you've predicted, who backs up Henry? Endy is probably better defensively than Flores but I think both of them need regular at bats at AAA. Do you think the Bucs get a quality defensive backup off the scrap pile?
Jason Mackey
12:23
Yes. If they trade Bart, I think they sign a veteran safety net. Or just bring Jacob Stallings out of retirement. Half-kidding.
Sam
12:23
Hey any word on getting a lefthanded starter ? Do you think they will go into the regular season without one
Jason Mackey
12:24
I know. Big question. Trust me, telling you everything I can. We don't withhold info. I think they'll sign someone. I just don't think it'll be a splash.
Cody
12:25
If the pirates add a fifth starter who could it be
Jason Mackey
12:27
Tyler Anderson, Patrick Corbin ... aren't many left out there.
bucsfan607179
12:27
Have you heard any discussion of a Griffin extension that would enable him to start the year on the team and protect PPI draft pick eligibility?
Jason Mackey
12:28
I have heard no discussion of anything Griffin/extension related. Trust me, if it happens, you'll know. Not gonna save that one.
Defense
12:28
if KG doesn’t break camp with the team, why not Triolo at SS (higher value defensively) and Gonzales at 3B?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Because you're playing two guys out of position instead of one.
Cullen
12:28
I have to say I'm very impressed with how Ben handled this offseason. They earned my business back and I feel good about pur chances with genuine improvement in key areas plus depth to cover injuries and regression. Do you still expect a trade for a 3B and a SP? It seems to have gone quiet
Jason Mackey
12:29
I expect them to do something else. I think a LH starter is more likely. Certainly a larger need. Could be a trade or FA.
62 Stack Monster
12:29
Jason, with all of these trades and free agent signings, (I feel as though the Pirates have a bunch of Aaron Rogers playing this year.) what does that say about internal development of our "Prospects" that we've garnered over the past 7 years.
Jason Mackey
12:30
I'm not sure what you're getting at. They have Skenes, Chandler, Griffin, Seth Hernandez and others. Not sure if I'm gonna say their prospects are lacking here.
Cullen
12:30
I really feel for Cutch and am sad it ended this way. I have to say, from purely a baseball perspective Ozuna is a far and away better hitter. I just wish cutch could accept reality in a more mature manner and realize he is a 26th man at this point and swallow his pride and come back. It would mean more to this City if we win with him and frankly he isn't a guaranteed starter and a $5m dollar player anymore...
Jason Mackey
12:31
I understand both sides. I don't think the Pirates are wrong for doing what they're doing. I don't think Cutch is wrong for being upset about it. Just an unfortunate scenario. I just hope long-term the relationship isn't ruined -- and I don't think it will be.
Cody
12:31
If the pirates sign Patrick Corbin wouldn't that be bad because of the projected 5 era he's supposed to have this year according to prediction websites like fan graphs
Jason Mackey
12:31
How can they project an ERA when they don't know where he'll pitch?
GPT
12:31
I understand that pro sports are ruthless and unemotional, but do you think the Pirates did Cutch dirty? I would think Cherington had some kind of discussion with Cutch last winter along the lines of 'If there's a fit and need, we'd love to have you back, but we're always looking to upgrade if possible.'
Jason Mackey
12:33
I don't. They need better production from that spot. Statistically speaking, he was one of the worst DHs in MLB last year. Are they required to sign up for that again because people bought his jersey? Absolutely not. They need to win. They haven't and should be criticized for that. But I care far more about that than if someone's feelings are hurt.

That being said, if I'm Cutch, I understand why he's pissed given what he's done for this city and team. There's just no good answer here.
Ryan
12:33
how has Jack Brannigan looked during spring training i know he was injured last year and probably won’t make the team Let’s go Bucs
Jason Mackey
12:34
Hi Ryan, I'm sorry. With so much to track, I haven't followed Brannigan a ton. What little I saw has been fine, but I'm well-aware that's not helpful.
Cullen
12:34
If the Pirates roll with Triolo is the plan probably to see who performs and what gaps need filling at the deadline and then make a move then when teams are more likely to accept prospects?
Jason Mackey
12:34
Cullen, let's get to spring training games before charting a plan at the deadline. Please, I beg of you.
Mangum
12:34
Was I a throw in or did Cherington see me as a game changer?
Jason Mackey
12:35
Probably somewhere in the middle. I love having Mangum on the roster. I wish he had more of an opportunity, honestly. But things like this have a way of working out.
12:37
Pirates were at $87.8 M last year on opening day, per AP numbers. Believe I saw Ethan Hullihen projecting $102.9 M. And I think it'll go up some with a LH starter move. Let's say $105 M and round to $88 M. You're looking at an uptick of around $17 M.
62 Stack Monster
12:39
What is the NET difference between expected payroll this year vs last year? Everyone thinks that they're spending but ignored is the fact that the Pirates traded away Falter, Hayes and Bednar, whose 2026 salaries are 3.6MM, 7MM and 9MM respectively.
DaquidoBazzini
12:39
Has there been any updated mentions of Paul Skenes occasionally coming to the plate? I wouldn't want to over do it, but they might be wasting someone that could add even more to an offense that still needs help.
Jason Mackey
12:40
He's not hitting. He doesn't wanna hit. It's not a topic. There will be no updates. That would be like asking for updates on whether Skenes will be performing open-heart surgery. Ain't happening.
Friend in PA
12:40
Why not Mlodzinski as a closer or 8th inning? His numbers the first time through line ups are terrific even when he was starting - rarely giving up a run let alone a hit the first inning or two.
Jason Mackey
12:41
Dennis Santana is their preferred closing option, and I have zero issue there. Maybe Mlodzinski becomes a late-inning option. I like that. You could also use him as a hybrid. One time through, middle of the game. If your starter is out after five, boy would I not hate him going 6-7 or 6-7-8 with a lead.
Snowbird
12:41
Big fan of your coverage, Jason. Had the chance to go to spring training on Wednesday and watched Konnor’s HR on field 3. But the biggest thing for me was seeing Donnie Kelley everywhere! At the infield drills, back and forth between the Bo cages, and then again for the live pitching. Relentless energy from the guy! I’m old enough that I watched games at Forbes Field, and I’m ready for good things this year.
Jason Mackey
12:41
Donny gets his steps in, that's for sure. Ha. He's always going. Gonna miss Pirate City.
Buc
12:41
Jason, I know that you are generally a glass half-full kind of guy (which I always appreciate in your coverage...but if you had to pick one person who will regress from last year's performance, who would it be?
Jason Mackey
12:42
Maybe Isaac Mattson. Not rooting for it, believe me. He couldn't be a nicer human. Just saying that if I had to pick one, which you're making me do, a guy who throws one pitch that's counted upon to be invisible is a fairly easy answer to that one.
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