Keys to victory
Healthy Cruz: Oneil Cruz. a 6-7 shortstop, is one of the most physically gifted players in baseball. But a broken ankle ended his 2023 season ended after only nine games. This spring, however, the 25year-old is hitting monster home runs and – even more encouraging – showing improved plate discipline. If he can be an effective leadoff hitter, it would open things up for Bryan Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Andrew McCutchen and the rest of the offense – one that finished next-to-last in the National League a year ago in scoring (4.27 runs per game).
Pitching staff: In a season marked by an uptick in offense, the Pirates pitching staff bucked the trend and moved a bit closer to respectability in 2023, slightly lowering its team ERA to 4.60. Other than All-Star closer David Bednar, no one in particular stood out above the crowd. Top starter Mitch Keller also earned an AllStar nod but faded badly in the second half. Keller will be backed by a pair of offseason additions in veteran left-handers Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales.
The Pirates also signed lefty Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal to bolster the bullpen.
Prospect pipeline: The No. 1 overall pick in 2021, Henry Davis made his MLB debut last season in the outfield but is expected to see more time behind the plate this year. Second baseman Termarr Johnson (No. 4 overall in 2022) is still only 19 but will likely be at Class AA to start. And flame-throwing right-hander Paul Skenes (No. 1 overall in 2023) should arrive in Pittsburgh this summer.