JotCast | Pirates Offseason Chat

Pirates Offseason Chat

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Darragh McDonald

10:32

I think it's very difficult to evaluate a manager in this situation. Obviously, the record is bad, but that's not Shelton's fault. It's because they're not spending any money on good players and letting young guys try things out.

10:33

Do the players like him? Is the environment in the clubhouse good? I can't answer those questions without being there.

Old Pirates Guy

10:33

I have long felt that this would be the off-season that Cherington starts adding some quality vets to fill holes in the MLB roster to go with the prospects that are in the system and finally hitting the show themselves. Do you think my gut is right?

Guest

10:33

As a lifelong ( since 1966) and former season ticket holder (30 years), I’m wondering if ownership is going to increase payroll in 2023 and will they sign a significant player for 1st base?

Darragh McDonald

10:34

Cherington was asked about the payroll this week and implied it wouldn't go up significantly. I wouldn't get my hopes up about a sudden splurge. Maybe next year.

Duffy Scliff

10:34

What are some veteran targets the Pirates could sign to one year deals and look to flip a la Quintana?

Darragh McDonald

10:37

There are lots of guy who could be the fit. Chris Archer, Dylan Bundy, Zach Davies, Johnny Cueto, Zach Eflin, Kyle Gibson, Michael Lorenzen, Wade Miley.

Trumbojumbo

10:39

Should the Pirates do the unexpected and sign a hitter like Trea Turner and a pitcher like Jacob deGrom? It’s a stretch, but the Pirates could use it to bolster the rebuild.

Darragh McDonald

10:39

I mean, they should.

Syd Thrift

10:41

Can Hayes become a top of the order bat or is he profiling more as a #6 or #7 hitter with elite defense? btw, at his salary the latter is not a terrible outcome, but I and others envisioned a better bat.

Darragh McDonald

10:42

It's an interesting question. He's still young and his strikeout/walk rates are decent. Maybe the hip injury has been holding him back?

I think he said at the end of the season that he's basically been playing hurt all year. I don't remember his exact words.

Syd Thrift

10:44

Assuming no significant spending spree for 2023 (hopefully some $ to fill some holes - vet starting pitcher, mediocre catcher), I feel I can actually see a road to contention in 2024 if there is decent prospect progression... am I crazy?

Darragh McDonald

10:45

I don't think it's out of the question, no. The lineup is starting to look half decent, with a few really good prospects in the upper minors.

10:46

I don't want to set expectations too high for 2023, but I think it's possible for them to have an Orioles-type trajectory where they start to look respectable.

Hopefully, they'll start seriously considering real spending at that point.

Ken

10:47

Pirates desperately need a pure 1st baseman. Are there any (non vet one year types) out there that meet the criteria of available/controllable/young that they could trade for?

Darragh McDonald

10:48

The White Sox are reportedly going to let Abreu walk, but that still leaves them with Eloy, Vaughn and Sheets for their 1B/DH mix. Maybe they could work something out there.

10:49

Bobby Dalbec is probably available.

Royals have too many young first basemen.

Zorn

10:51

What a great idea on breaking down each team and giving the fan base an opportunity to have their voice heard! Cheers my friend!

Darragh McDonald

10:52

It's an exciting time of year at MLBTR!

We're glad that people seem excited by these chats.

Rick Rhoden

10:52

Before we start seeing posts about how the Pirates can't afford to compete, please remember that every team in the league, including Pitt, receives more than $100 million per year as part of the larger MLB media deal.

Darragh McDonald

10:53

Yeah, every team could do more spending than they do. Though part of our job at MLBTR is to talk about precedent and we think is likely.

Eman

10:54

How much of a jump in performance are you expecting of O'Neil Cruz? is 30/30 a possibility?

Darragh McDonald

10:54

Sure, that's possible. He only played 87 games this year and got to 17 homers and 11 steals. I think the strikeouts will be the big question mark with him offensively.

10:55

There's not much question about the power and the speed.

Kingcobra

10:55

I understand it’s not going to happen.. but wouldn’t the pirates be playoff contenders if they just up their budget by 40-50 mill?

Darragh McDonald

10:56

It would help! But it seems like they're going to save that for another day.

10:57

Do you know when the draft lottery is being held. I'm curious as to where the Pirates are drafting.

Darragh McDonald

10:58

I believe the plan is for the lottery to take place at the Winter Meetings in December.

Ben

10:59

Curious what kind of deal a guy like Sean Manaea might get this winter. Could the Pirates be a potential landing spot?

Darragh McDonald

11:00

Yeah, he'll be an interesting guy this winter. Coming off a rough year, maybe he settles for a one-year pillow deal?

bmcferren

11:00

Pirates GM says he's looking for catching and OBP - - Alejandro Kirk for Pirates prospects? What third team can get involved and send the Blue Jays the starting pitching they are looking for?

Darragh McDonald

11:01

I like the idea but I think the Jays are more likely to hold Kirk and deal DanJan (Danny Jansen).

bmcferren

11:01

Miguel Sano bounces back big in 2023 by starting at first for the Pirates?

Darragh McDonald

11:01

I think this makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.

11:02

If he stays healthy and mashes like he has in the past, that's a nice trade chip at the deadline.

Pedro