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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 10.23.25
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Jason Mackey
12:22
I mean, they did make major changes to their amateur scouting department, and it netted Konnor Griffin. That said, I agree with you that they need to better in these areas. They haven't done the small-market stuff nearly well enough. I just think it's more nuanced than swapping out one singular person atop a department.
LSU Nate
12:22
Realistically, what are the odds a salary cap and floor happen in the next CBA? I think the TV ratings have said it all, parity is dead and fans don't want to watch the same song and dance over and over.
Jason Mackey
12:23
I know, Nate. It's frustrating. Honestly, not good. I don't think it'll happen. I wish. But I think there'll be huffing and puffing and games lost. Just no actual progress on a cap/floor. I hope I'm wrong.
LSU Nate
12:23
The minor league hitters have performed well this year. The talent is obviously better in the minors than the majors, but other than acquiring better free agents, what can we do this season to hopefully get a better team on the field!?
Jason Mackey
12:24
Work with major league hitters similar to the minor league guys. Make smart trades. Sign some people. There's a lot of stuff. I agree with you; the minors was actually pretty good.
PrinceBob
12:24
In the next ten years do you think it's more likely or less likely that the Pirates will get into the post season? I've given up on the idea of winning or even playing in the World Series but with an extra wild card at least getting into the post season should be doable. But they haven't been able to get in for ten years now and really, they seem to be getting worse as time goes on.
Jason Mackey
12:24
Man, I can't predict what I'm gonna do tomorrow. We have a ginormous lockout thing looming, and we're trying to predict a decade out? Gunner.
Douggy18
12:24
Hey Jason.  Why is the Pirate’s FO painfully slow in everything it does?  It would be one thing if their slowness was producing great results, but it’s not.  Latest example is firing the pitching coaches and not filling them while they have an advantage before other teams fill their manager position and then begin building staffs.  Seems like the Pirates should be in a great position.
Jason Mackey
12:25
They don't operate as quickly as they should with things. I won't argue with that. I don't think that means this hire is doomed, though. A lot of potential targets were still playing. It's all in front of them. Who knows. They may screw it up royally. I'm just saying there are quality candidates available.
Starkey the Snowman
12:25
Larger number…Pirates free agent signings or additional Sportsnet Pittsburgh analysts?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Good one. I actually don't want a bunch of signings. I'd rather like 2-3 real impact signings. Meaning for the baseball team. SNP already has a bunch of impact signings.
Wayward
12:26
Jason, who do you think will 40 man casualties this offseason?  DO Bae, Suwinski or Holderman make it all winter?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Jack and Holderman are easy non-tenders for me, unless they'd be willing to buck those projections. I'd go Canario before Bae. Maybe Little or Darrell-Hicks?
Douggy18
12:28
Read your article today and couldn’t agree more.  Seems like our left-handed advantage is so undervalued by every FO since the stadium opened.  If they’re going to continue to stack right handed lineups, at least adjust the left field dimensions.
Jason Mackey
12:28
And I don't think they're going to do that. But they should seek left-handed power this winter. Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Austin Hedges
12:28
Im
Me and my .161 average are back for another year. $4 million. Suckers
Jason Mackey
12:28
Austin Hedges, hugely unappreciated Pirate. Funny how he's not a hindrance in Cleveland.
PrinceBob
12:29
Do you think anything will change with blackout restrictions for the MLBtv package so that I'll be able to watch the Pirates if I'm visiting family in Johnstown or wanting to watch the Red Sox while at home in Massachusetts. I've read that Manfred wants to get rid of those restrictions but is that just a pipe dream?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Can't you just subscribe through SNP and watch anywhere? I thought they rolled out a season package. Maybe that's just for Pens.

Yes, I think they will get to that point. Manfred has said it. I wouldn't be shocked if the Pirates go to MLB for TV-related things after the lockout anyway. But one way or another, I think blackout restrictions will be gone soon.
AJ
12:30
Is this a make or break year for Cruz? Looks lost both at the pla
Jason Mackey
12:30
Yeah, I think that's fair. Needs to show quite a bit. But I'm gonna let him do it.
Uncle Leo
12:30
What is Joe Starkey’s boy Shelty up to? Coaching anywhere or taking a bullpen management class?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Last I saw he was doing some SiriusXM Radio and occasional TV work. I need to text him. Thank you for the reminder.
demosthenes98
12:30
Which team do you think will win the World Series?  Which team do you want to win it?
Jason Mackey
12:30
Both -- Dodgers.
Jim
12:31
Hi Jason, So happy you are back covering our Pirates! There appear to be few free agents with a meaningful WAR which the Pirates will make a competitive offer. Which free agents appear to be within the Pirates’ financial range? Luis Arraez?  Thanks
Jason Mackey
12:31
Hi Jim. I answered your email on this, too. Wrote this piece on it: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2025/10/11/mlb-offseason-f...
12:32
The highlights: Kepler, Bader, Mullins, Conforto or Goldschmidt would work. Maybe a trade for Lowe or Westburg?
Kevin
12:32
Good morning, Jason. In an ideal world, the Pirates would keep Keller AND sign hitters, but nothing with the Pirates is ideal. But I wanted to ask about the idea instead of signing someone like a Suarez (who I know they’d never sign) to double down on pitching. If that’s their strength — and with Skenes, Keller, Chandler, Jones, Ovideo, Ashcraft, etc, it sure seems like it) — make it even better.

My point is we aren’t going to be like a mini-version of the Dodgers and sign MVP candidates in the field and Cy Young candidates for the rotation. But what if they signed two elite relieves to give the bullpen the same quality and depth the rotation has, and maybe KEEP Mitch.
Jason Mackey
12:33
I get your argument, Kevin. A big part of me would love that. And, yeah, they should be able to do both. The counter, though: They have available back-fill and only 5 starting spots. If they need bats, if he would get bats, why not? We've seen what a good pitching staff and lousy offense can do -- not much. Need to score more runs.
JollyRoger8
12:34
Looking at possible trade options, I would like to see the Pirates pursue Addison Barger of the Blue Jays. He would be a perfect fit. A power LH hitting 3B/OF that is only 25 and is under team control through 2031. The Blue Jays need pitching. BC already has a relationship with Toronto. Do you think a trade of Keller, Harrington, and the inclusion of an additional prospect if needed (not one of our top 20) would get it done?
Jason Mackey
12:35
I have no way of actually predicting an opposing team's feelings on a trade you concocted. I'm sorry. I wish I could. That would be fun. My gut reaction would be no, the Blue Jays seem to be doing OK right now.
Ethan
12:35
Pirates have a competitive balance pick after the first round, plus an extra pick early in the second round (in addition to their standard picks). That first pick can be traded--any chance the Pirates use that pick as trade bait for a bat? Those picks have been traded by some teams in the recent past
Jason Mackey
12:36
Good point. It would depend on return. On one hand, they obviously value those a lot. On the other, there are limited ways to add offense. If that helped them get someone, yeah, I think they would do it. But it would have to be a really strong bat. Sorry, kind of a himming and hawing on it. Just tough to say for sure without looking at a possible deal.
Ryan
12:36
Good afternoon Jason what do you think about the Season Paul Skenes had i think he had a Good Season and it will be interesting to see what they do with the pitching coach also who replaces The third base coach
Jason Mackey
12:37
Yeah, he did OK. I'd keep him around for another one. :-)
Scott
12:37
Cullen is right.  There are 6 teams that pray on 8 teams and 16 teams in the middle that may get lucky once in a while, I.E. TOR right now.
Jason Mackey
12:37
We don't talk about religion here, Scott. (Joking. It's prey, not pray.)
SDWC
12:37
Looking long term, Jason, there just has to be a cap and floor in MLB, right?  This model isn’t sustainable. Ratings and interest are dropping. There will be more teams like us that will realize they can’t compete. It’s like the Rutgers’s of the world in college football that will just never win.
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