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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 10.30.25
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Jason Mackey
11:22
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. You know the drill. We'll get started at noon but feel free to fire away now.
12:03
And away we go ...
PrinceBob
12:03
Can you explain why the Twins want Derek Shelton to manage them? I know he has a good history in the organization but when you see how much better the Pirates played this year after firing him can they seriously tell fans he gives them their best chance to win next year? All that said, good for Shelton.
Jason Mackey
12:05
I can, yes. In fact, I'm working on a column on that very topic. I would imagine the Twins look at this and see Shelton the person -- who's very good. Likable guy. Extremely nice. Funny. I don't think anyone questions that. They don't see the managerial struggles because they weren't in it like us, and they're probably trusting a smart and dedicated baseball person to grow given a second chance. Not sure that's a dumb move.
Anthony
12:05
Is there any update on the other staff openings for the Pirates?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Nothing that hasn't been otherwise communicated. Baker no longer with the Pirates. Bill Murphy the new pitching coach. Bench coach should be next up on the agenda. I wrote about Tim McKeithan moving into a director role.
TheConfluence
12:05
Hey Jason, welcome back to the gig.  You've mentioned the obvious need to add more offense, whether that comes from trade or free agency.  That said, I'm of the opinion that a trade of Mitch Keller will not yield the return many among Pirate fans and media are expecting.  So if we're expecting a significant offensive return in a trade, it's gotta come from one of the young pitching prospects.  Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:07
Thank you! Maybe. Truth is, none of us know. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? I get what you're saying -- if Mitch doesn't fetch a lot, just keep him. I'm there. I would not trade Skenes or Chandler. The others, sure. My other rule here: They need bats. That's not optional. Free agency -- if they can get anyone decent to come here -- is an input as well. But some way, shape or form, they need to get bats.
Bill in Charleston
12:07
Jason, wishing you a great day from Charleston, SC. If forced to guess, who do you see the Buccos trotting out as their starting rotation, setup and closer on day one?  Assuming all remain healthy, would you expect big changes in that group of seven pitchers by midseason?
Jason Mackey
12:09
Thanks, Bill. Right now it's something like this:

SP: Skenes, Keller, Chandler, Ashcraft, Oviedo ... would say Burrows for sure if Mitch is traded. If not, you might use someone there as a swing type. Harrington and Barco waiting in the wings. Could also see them adding a veteran LHP type.

RP: Santana, Mlodzinski, Mattson ... hope they add 1-2 here, especially a LHP. I'd like Nicolas to take the next step and put himself in this conversation as well.
PrinceBob
12:09
Is O'Neil Cruz more of a defensive liability in center field or at shortstop? Shortstop seems the obvious answer because more balls are generally hit there but an infield error usually means a man at first while an outfield error more likely means a runner at second or third. Would it make sense to move him to right where you'd love his arm, move Reynolds back to left, and find a center fielder somehow?
Jason Mackey
12:10
It doesn't matter. I would absolutely not move Cruz. They're not interested in moving Cruz. He hasn't been very good at either, honestly. But right now he's playing CF and showed some signs of progress in CF. (Yes, seriously. Look it up.)

I'd stick with it and try to help him. Not pull the plug (again).
PrinceBob
12:10
Do you like the World Baseball Classic? It always seems to me like MLB wishes it would go away. Am I wrong about that?
Jason Mackey
12:11
I liked it a few years ago. I'm all for anything that guys are going to buy into and the level of competition is high. So, yes. Because I think it'll be that.
Dan N
12:11
Different thought…move Horowitz to second OHearn to play first..use Nicky G as a trade chip along with Keller for a left fielder maybe Brent Rooker…let Triolo start the season at short…look at trades for a DH or 3B…Yea I know dream away
Jason Mackey
12:16
I'm not really expecting the Padres to let O'Hearn get away. I also think because of what he did this season, why would he want to sign with the Pirates? Gonzales had a .661 OPS this past season and was worth -0.7 bWAR ... 0.1 bWAR in 3 seasons. What sort of trade return are you expecting that to fetch? Rooker's a DH. He's a lousy fielder and barely plays outfield. I'd love it if they traded for him, don't get me wrong, but just trying to be accurate. Also don't see why the A's would want to trade someone with three consecutive 30-plus-homer seasons.
PhilinCT
12:16
Mr Mackey, always a pleasure to talk baseball with you. For the 2026 bullpen, who of current people in the system will be in the pen, who should be and how many outsiders (cough, cough lefty) need to be added? Thanks as always.
Jason Mackey
12:17
Have to add a lefty. Have to start with Santana, Mlodzinski, Mattson and hopefully Nicolas. I think Shugart and Sisk could be in the mix. You'll have runoff from the starting rotation and/or a young guy used in a swing role. I'd stick with Lawrence -- and I think they will. That's a start.
Baron Dionis
12:17
In your opinion, has there been a major shift in player development since Ben Cherington spent that large amount of money on research and development last offseason? If so, what changes do you feel were made and know about?
Jason Mackey
12:18
They've tried. There hasn't been a big enough shift in results. They tried to focus more on teaching the game, drilling into fundamentals. Not sure that happened. Pitching-wise, they've gotten much more advanced with cameras & analyzing data. I'd say they've done more individual swing work (really drilling into details) than before. Again not saying it has all landed. Just trying to answer the question for ya.
Johnny
12:19
Jason, I heard you on the radio last night debating whether “shelty” was a poor manager or not. Are you kidding?? The guy’s a perennial loser. Owner of the worst managerial record in MLB HISTORY. Managed a team that had the first ever run-down between home plate and first base. Cell phones flying out while baserunning. Worst team fundamentals I’ve ever watched. And his attitude was the worst. Always chippy with reporters like his team wasn’t constantly in last place. Zero accountability. Just a total loser. Looked homeless half the time too. Good luck, Minnesota. Have fun with that.
Jason Mackey
12:20
Didn't catch a question in there, but ... "always chippy with reporters?" Based on what? I was around Shelton more than anyone else as a reporter. He did things that I disagreed with, but chippy? You're wrong.

I get what you're saying about the lack of discipline, too. He bears some blame. But ... did you look at the rosters he had? Again, he didn't do a very good job. That's not my point. But you're making it out like this is all Shelton's fault and he's the worst ever, and I disagree with you.
Cullen
12:20
I won't pretend like I'm super familiar with Murphy before he came on, but I have to say I LOVE this hire. The biggest thing for me is how he takes non top 100 or late round draft guys and helps them become solid starters or even aces. Who do you think will be the candidate(s) for the most improvement under Murphy?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I love it, too, Cullen. Great hire. Thomas Harrington strikes me as someone who didn't totally make that leap to MLB who might be able to benefit. I don't think he'll get to work with him, but Holderman is another with great stuff who hasn't put it all together. Maybe even Oviedo. There's so much power and stuff there that I still don't think have been maximized.
Baron Dionis
12:22
What players do you expect the Pirates to trade this offseason? I would think Joey Bart with how successful the Pirates are with Henry Davis behind the plate. Maybe more?
Jason Mackey
12:23
Could see Bart traded. Not saying I think it's super likely. But they do have a few catchers, and Bart had a market this past year. Mitch Keller is obviously a big one. Termarr Johnson is someone who would fit in building out a potential deal. I don't think they're looking to trade many off the major league roster. Could be more a Triple-A pitcher or something to help get a bat.
Baron Dionis
12:23
Any buzz related to Andrew McCutchen returning?
Jason Mackey
12:24
Nope. I've said what I know. That's usually pretty quiet this time of year. Would imagine neither side has thought a ton about it. Certainly not enough to reach anything definitive this early.
David D
12:24
Hey Jason, This isn't a criticism. I'm just curious. Skenes appears to throw fewer high fastballs than most big armed pitchers. Is this because of his large pitch arsenal, pitcher preference, organizational philosophy, or not an accurate assessment?
Jason Mackey
12:26
I don't have an answer for you, David. It's not organizational philosophy, I know that. Not like the Pirates are out there telling their guys, especially Paul, to not throw it in part of the zone.

I'm a little confused about your data as well. Here's his heat map from Baseball Savant, which doesn't support your point.
Cullen
12:26
I'm fully on the "trade Keller for a bat" train. My only concern is if we can cover his ~180 innings with our admittedly inexperienced pitching depth. Any injuries or regression could sink us even if we get 3 solid bats to fix the offense. To me if we trade Keller we must allocate $5 million or so to a proven veteran lefty starter to eat some innings and provide stability. What do you think?
Jason Mackey
12:27
It all depends on what they get back for Mitch. They need to add bats. That should govern everything. If I'm looking at a Keller trade that I feel like is going to transform the lineup, I get it. Not happy about it. I like Mitch. But I get it. But I'm not doing it just cause.
12:28
FWIW, I would be fine with a LH starter. I get your point there. They do well with those types.
Terry on Woodstock,Ga
12:28
Hey Jason. TgNk you for your insightful analysis on our Pirates...any chance the Pirates try and sign players from Korea or Japzn thus off-season?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Hi Terry, yeah, I would imagine so. I've been wanting to chat with Max Kwan, their international director of scouting, about what they're doing in the Pacific Rim. Big storyline in the World Series, right? I haven't heard back. But they'll certainly try. I'm not expecting them to land any of the big names, though, if that's what you're asking.
John
12:29
Jason who will win a playoff game first, the Pirates or the Steelers?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Ha. The Steelers. This year.
Fire BC
12:29
Hello! Have you heard anything yet on Horowitz replacement? If not do you have anyone in mind? Kinda hope they don’t go internally for the replacement
Jason Mackey
12:30
I have not. Why do you disagree with internally? I actually think this is an area where that would make sense. I think Justin was really good. I think he figured some things out. I'd like to try and continue that.
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