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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 12.01.23
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Jason Mackey
11:39
Hello, everyone. Welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. We'll get started shortly. In the meantime, feel free to fire off any questions that you might have.
12:09
OK, let's do it. Sorry, had to finish up another feature.
George Costanza
12:09
Hello Jason. Should fans be concerned about the lack of signings for the Bucs? Is it same old same old with Mr. Nutting? Lack of pitching could ruin all the momentum gained by last season's progress. George is getting upset!
Jason Mackey
12:11
This is an interesting thing. Well, maybe not interesting. But I get it. Talked about this on Pitching In with Fort. I get fans being upset. You wanna see action and deserve it. Still paying for season tickets, right? I also think it's reality. The Pirates aren't necessarily a desired destination, there are a bunch of pitchers available, and we're locked into a staring contest. I think if the Pirates ultimately don't do anything, sure. Being upset is warranted. But it is only Dec. 1. There's time to sort it out.
Wayward
12:11
Jason, It appears that the price for even mid-tier/rebound starters has jumped this year into the $12-$13M range.  Given this do you think it becomes even more likely that the Bucs have to/need to (as you have mentioned) look more to trade(s) to acquire starters?  If so, where/who is that trade capital?  I dont see enough value in the excess middle infield guys to get something done.  Are they going to have to do something painful like trading a guy like Mlod.,, etc?
Jason Mackey
12:13
Right. This is a great point. First question, I have a tough time seeing them pay $12 million for a mid-level starter. I think they will ultimately settle for a lesser option, and I realize that's gonna irritate some people, which is fair. I'll still contend that developing the pitching they do have -- Priester, Roansy and Ortiz -- trumps all. Ditto for Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Solometo, etc. But, yeah. Trades would sense. I just can't understand what they have capital-wise. Gonzales? Peguero? Joe? Henry/Endy? I'm out on the last two. What's Joe gonna fetch? Certainly have some questions.
Bill
12:13
Liover Peguero sure looked like an excellent hitter with power, fielder, and speedy base runner. Does he open 2024 as starting second baseman?
Jason Mackey
12:14
He also hit just .185 over his last 22. I think you will see him compete with Gonzales and Bae for the starting job at 2B. Now, I like Peguero. I think he could easily win the job. But I don't think it's a sure thing.
Bill
12:14
Is there any valid argument for NOT starting Jared Triolo at first base in 2024? He hits for average and is adding power, tall and lengthy excellent for first base to reach for throws, and fields well. I don't think Carlos Santana or any other expensive free agent can out play Triolo.
Jason Mackey
12:16
Bill, with all due respect, Triolo has played 54 MLB games. Saying he's gonna out-hit anyone else is a bit of a bold declaration. Now, does he deserve runway to play more? Yeah, I'd like to see that. Maybe first base, too. But if the Pirates wanted to insulate themselves against Triolo maybe not being an .800-plus OPS guy, not sure I would blame them. I also see value in Triolo bouncing around. That's theoretically a roster spot that you wouldn't have to waste on a light-hitting backup.
gamardo
12:16
Hi Jason, just read your evaluation of Rule 5 pitching options and a bit surprised with your characterization of pitchers as “undersized!” Are they playing defensive line? Didn’t consider “size” of a pitcher vis á vis  that big of a concern. Love your work.
Jason Mackey
12:18
Did you just use vis a vis in a baseball chat? That might be suspension-worthy, gamardo. It's not just me. Baseball America and MLB Pipeline consider pitchers 6-foot or under undersized as well. Definitely a position that has skewed taller over the past decade or so.
Frank the Tank
12:18
So many candidates for 2B job.  Does mean the Bucs do not really have a second baseman, or do you expect one to rise to the top? Triolo? Gonzalez?
Jason Mackey
12:19
I expect one to rise to the top. Don't know who it will be. You present two capable suggestions. But I think it's different than the Cole Tucker/Kevin Newman/Erik Gonzalez shortstop competition of a couple years ago.
Cullen B
12:20
Hey Jason, based on the price of mediocre starting pitchers in the market, are the Pirates more likely to pivot to trade for a controllable SP and then try to extend them?
Jason Mackey
12:21
I don't know about the second part. I'd worry about getting the guy and having him be productive first. But I agree with your first point. A trade seems more likely right now than a free agent signing given some of the prices.
Cullen B
12:21
What do you expect from the Pirates this week in the winter meeting ls?
Jason Mackey
12:21
Funny you ask. Wrote about that in-depth this morning: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2023/12/01/pirates-mlb-win...
12:22
I think they will do something minor trade-wise to get pitching. No splashy FA signing. But I do think they come back with a pitcher. Also think they will pick someone in the Rule 5. Wouldn't surprise me if TV stuff is settled while we're there as well.
Cullen B
12:22
What do your sources in the industry say about Sarah Gelles? Seems like she is very well respected.  It also seems like the Pirates are looking to make Ben the President of Baseball Operations and have Kevan Graves take the open GM position. Is that a feeling you get?
Jason Mackey
12:23
Very high marks on Sarah, first and foremost. I like the hire a lot. Ben to president of baseball ops, yes. I think that's the goal. Now, who takes over as GM? Dunno if it would be Kevan or Steve. Not sure they know. I think they both could be future GMs. Maybe one of 'em gets poached.
Cullen B
12:23
Is Lee a potential fit for the Pirates in the international market? It seems like we have a good presence in Korea lately. What about Shota imanaga?
Jason Mackey
12:26
We're throwing darts here ... Korean presence has improved, yes. Don't see it on Lee, though. Have heard 20 teams are interested. Believe MLBTR projected 5 years, $50 M. Given those data points, I don't see it. Probably similar sentiment on Imanaga.
Dan
12:26
Happy holidays Jason..If the Pirates make trades realistically who would be the bait ?Out of curiosity would the Seattle Mariners be a matchup for Kebryan Hayes ? Surplus of pitching and a need for a third baseman
Jason Mackey
12:27
Hey Dan. Same to you. I really hope not. Given what Hayes did at the end of last year, I want him at third base in Pittsburgh for a long time. I think they do, too. His contract might wind up being a huge, huge bargain. Tough on trade bait, though. Ultimately whomever another team wants, but I know that answer is non-helpful. I'd listen on Gonzales, Peguero maybe but probably not Henry/Endy ... potentially some younger guys.
Tim
12:28
Thank you for continuing such thorough coverage during a slow offseason.  My question is the Pirates have lost several depth pitching options so far but haven't brought in anyone to replace them; why do you think that is?  They desparetely needed depth last year.  Do they feel the AAA and AA have enough of these types already?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Got to some of this above, Tim. Many depth types aren't gonna commit right now to depth roles. They think & want more. Which is fine. You kinda have to wait that out. Not something that tends to happen early.
Anon
12:29
Do you think the amount of innings they need to fill will affect the kind of pitchers they target in FA and Trades? Hard to go with all injury rebound guys like say, Paxton and hope they'll be able to give them the innings.
Jason Mackey
12:29
Yeah, I think that's an input. I think it'll ultimately have to be a combination of both. One thing the Pirates do offer is opportunity. They did that with Anderson, Quintana and Vince. It's a risk but kinda one they have to take if they're not gonna spend a bunch.
Andrew
12:29
Jason, hope the holidays are treating you well. Is it entirely possible that because of the Oviedo news that the Buccos have pushed the window back to 2025? If you think about it, the Pirates have one reliable starter in Mitch Keller. I have trust that Roansy can come back and step up, but after those two it’s really hard to tell. Skenes, Jones, and Solometo won’t be up until June at the earliest, and I can’t say I have the upmost confidence in Ortiz, Falter, or Priester. Now I’m not being negative, but I don’t know the Pirates signing a pitcher to a 2-3 year deal. It’s not because of the cheapness, but if they have these guys coming up then what’s the point of signing one? I can definitely see a one year guy. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m all for trades of pitchers because they have too many prospects which is a good thing. Now is there a possible scenario where they trade for a top end pitcher, and then sign a mid tier guy? Last thing, do we see Rhys Hoskins come to PIT? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
12:32
I don't see Hoskins coming here, for a variety of reasons. Just to knock that part off first. He'll have other options. Don't think the Pirates are gonna want to overpay, and they would have to. There are other, better options for them, IMO. Also, re: window. It doesn't have to be as black and white as you're making it sound. They need to get better. They need better pitching. OK, go out and do that. Not worried as much about the lengthier deals, honestly. If it makes sense, cool. I think that would inspire some positivity within the fan base. But I get your point: They do have some good arms coming. You can also never have enough. Bottom line, I think they need to be better. The window ain't close. Or it shouldn't be at this point.
RS
12:33
Thank you for the chats. Great job covering the Pirates. Have you heard any health updates with Cruz? Looking forward to seeing what types of numbers he can put up back healthy in 2024. Thank you,
Jason Mackey
12:34
Hey RS, thanks so much. No real updates other than he's been completely cleared, and they're figuring out what to do -- winter league or Florida. Expect to learn more next week when we talk to Ben a couple times.
Justin
12:34
Do you have a favorite restaurant or site in St Louis?  Going there this weekend.
Jason Mackey
12:35
I do. Several. Big St. Louis fan. Peel in Clayton is awesome. One of my favorite places anywhere. There's also Salt & Smoke across from the ballpark, and I'm also a big fan of Sugarfire next to the blues museum.
Tim
12:36
Are you aware of either the Pirates or another MLB team deciding to go one less in the bullpen to add another bench player?  It seems that with the proliferation of relievers teams are very limited on bench options.  Or, alternatively, adding a 27th player to the roster, though I'm afraid teams would just add another mediocre bullpen arm with that.
Jason Mackey
12:37
Not aware or expecting that. It's my understanding rosters will stay at 26. I don't see the Pirates eschewing a reliever in favor of a bench spot, with no DH, and I'm guessing there are plenty of other teams in that boat as well.
62 Stack Monster
12:37
Hi Jason, how much in international pool money did the Pirates get for the Hedges trade?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I'm not sure they ever disclosed that number. Lemme send some messages and see if I can find out.
Munkeefist
12:39
When it comes to FA signings, I know baseball isn't like football with a frenzy of fast signings, but with St. louis and Cincinnati already filling holes in their starting rotation how long can the pirates afford to wait with names coming off the board?
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