The Pirates’ season took a turn for the worse on August 3 when a ten-game losing streak dashed their hopes of contention. They ended the season with a disappointing 76-86 record, the same as the previous year. As questions arise about the progress of the team’s rebuild, the focus this winter will be on upgrading the lineup.
Guaranteed Contracts
Bryan Reynolds, OF: $88MM through 2030 (includes $2M buyout of $20MM club option for 2031)
Mitch Keller, SP: $69.5MM through 2028
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B: $43MM through 2029 (includes $6MM buyout of $12MM club option for 2030)
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, IF: $7.5MM through 2025 (Blue Jays covering roughly $1.22MM as per the terms of their July 2024 trade)
2025 financial commitments: $41.5MM
Total future commitments: $208MM
Option Decisions
Arbitration-Eligible Players (projections from MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz)
Free Agents
Paul Skenes impressed with a 1.99 ERA over 133 innings, while Jared Jones had a solid rookie season despite an injury. Mitch Keller, Bailey Falter, and Luis Ortiz also performed well. The team’s provisional starting five for next season includes these players, along with Johan Oviedo returning from injury. Top prospects are also making their way towards MLB debuts.
The Pirates are building a strong pitching rotation, led by Skenes, as they continue their rebuilding efforts. However, despite some promising developments, the team has struggled with six consecutive losing seasons, the last five under GM Ben Cherington’s leadership. The fans are eager to see when the team will turn the corner and become real contenders.
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