The Pittsburgh Pirates have a respectable five World Series titles in their franchise history, but recent years have not been too kind to them.
After finishing the 2024 season with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses, the Pirates missed the postseason for the ninth straight season and had their sixth straight losing season.
Although the 2024 season was not great in general, the Pirates did have a bright spot in rookie starting pitcher Paul Skenes who won the NL ROTY Award and is a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award.
MLB Analyst Jason Mackey revealed what he thinks the Pirates need to do this offseason.
“The Pirates need to land a big bat for first base,” Mackey said.
The @Pirates need to land a big bat for first base, says @JMackeyPG 🏴☠️💥 pic.twitter.com/T4sQgl52X4
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 19, 2024
Mackey mentions that keeping Bryan Reynolds at first base doesn’t seem like the answer and that he would keep him in left field and Oneil Cruz in center field and sign a regular first baseman.
He also mentions some names that intrigue him at the position including Paul Goldschmidt, Ryan Mountcastle, and Yandy Diaz.
The Pirates have not had a postseason run past the National League Division Series since 1992, and haven’t appeared in a World Series since 1979, which was their last World Series title.
With the free agent class being full of big names this offseason, the Pirates should have the opportunity to sign some helpful players before the 2025 season.
It appears that the Pirates have found their ace of the future with Skenes, and they just need to add some offensive support to attempt and get the team back to a competitive level.
NEXT:
Stat Shows How Impressive Paul Skenes’ Rookie Season Was
