Pirates look to avoid a repeat of 2023 free fall

Newly added veterans bring higher level of experience to team’s young core

PHILADELPHIA — Derek Shelton’s club is well aware of the big question it faces. While winning is never unwelcomed, for some Pirates fans, another successful start to the season is greeted with caution, as it has previously led to the creation of perhaps unrealistic expectations.

This notion was never more prevalent than last spring, when after watching their team go 20-8 through March and April, Pirates fans were overcome with excitement. For the first time in years, their ballclub was playing competent baseball, and against their better judgment, they began to believe that the team that had won just 62 games the year prior was ready to make a push for thepostseason.

But that, of course, did not happen. Waiting for the Pirates after their sunny April was a brutal 8-18 May, followed by an 11-15 June and an 8-16 July. Although the club went on to finish 29-28 after the MLB trade deadline, an overall record of 76-86 broughtmixed feelings.

The 14-win improvement was nice, but the sour taste from the midsummer collapse prevented some from being able to appreciate the step forward. And now, a year later, fear of a similar storylooms.

On Monday, a 7-4 victory against the Detroit Tigers lifted the Pirates to 9-2, their best start since 1992, a year about which no Pittsburgh baseball fan needs reminding. Vibes around the North Shore were once again at a high — or at least they were fora brief moment.

Less than 24 hours after Ryder Ryan recorded the 27th out Monday evening, fans were booing their team’s two-time All-Star off the mound following his third blown save. A loss Thursday night in Philadelphia added evenmore tension among the fanbaseonline.

Shortcomings of the past undoubtedly play a role in the early-season anxiety throughout Pirates nation. But while fans watch nervously to see if Shelton’s group can maintain consistency, those within the clubhouse are confident that last year’s regression will not be a part of this year’s story.

“I think we understand that there are going to be ups and downs a bit better this year,” Jack Suwinski said. “We learned the importance of taking it one game at a time. We know that one game can end up being a difference maker.”

Suwinski is one of many returning players who had the opportunity to learn from the highs and lows of 2023. He and the likes of Bryan Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Oneil Cruz, Mitch Keller and others all aim to prove that this group’s journey will be different.

So why should fans once again go all in? With so many similar pieces in place, what makes this group more likely tosustain its winning ways?

Per those involved, the answerlies within the handful of newcomers who already have madean impact.

“They know what it takes to play in October,” Connor Joe said of his team’s veteran additions. “That’s the goal for this team. If we can use that experience and build from it, I think it will help us in the long run.”

While last year’s team had its share of seasoned veterans, the2024 club’s experienced additions arrived in Pittsburgh with a more decorated trophy case. Not only did the Pirates have three more players with postseason experience on this year’s roster, but there are now guys who have been around to capture baseball’s topprize.

“The one thing we’ve talked about is we were very intentional with the veterans we brought in for different reasons,” Shelton said. “Talent, Number 1, and how they’re going to help us on the field. Number 2, how they’re going to be with our young guys, and Number 3, that point specifically, guys who have been on the field the last day of the season, that’s really important. Those guys know how to go through ups and downs during a season. They know how to struggle and realize that they’re coming out on the other end. That was veryimportant for us.”

Aroldis Chapman, Martin Perez and Micheal A. Taylor are three key players who fit Shelton’s aforementioned description. Josh Fleming and Bailey Falter have both also been on a club that reached the Fall Classic, while Marco Gonzales, Rowdy Tellez and Andrew McCutchen each have notable postseason experience,as well.

Although former leaders such as Carlos Santana and Rich Hill had notable roles, the presence of World Series winners, along with another year of development for the team’s young core, has createda different perspective for theroad ahead.

With many games remaining, this year’s Pirates claim to be better prepared for both the highs and lows that will arrive. And with leaders that have successfully maneuvered the ultimate trek, the club as a whole believes it has a better chance of remaining consistentfrom start to finish.

“Having them in the clubhouse I think just makes a lot of guys feel good before we even go out onto the field,” Suwinski.“We feel good about our preparation. We feel readyto play hard.”

Those guys know how to go through ups and downs during a season. They know how to struggle and realize that they’re coming out on the other end.” Derek Shelton