Burgh Sports United - Blog

Was the Marcell Ozuna Signing a Mistake By Pirates?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Jonathan Dyer

It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates were aggressive in their pursuit of vastly improving the offense during the offseason.

The first two notable moves transpired in December, with the trade of Brandon Lowe and the signing of Ryan O’Hearn. The latter was the first time the Pirates had signed a free agent to a multi-year deal in nine years.

On February 9th, the Bucs added their last noteworthy bat, as they inked veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal for $12 million.

Last season saw Ozuna’s production take a dip with the Atlanta Braves; slashing .232/.355/.400, along with 21 home runs and a 1.7 oWAR. He was hampered by a hip injury. Those numbers were a far cry from what Ozuna did the prior two seasons, when he combined for a wRC+ of 147, and placed fourth in the National League MVP voting in 2024.

It’s been a real struggle for Ozuna to begin the 2026 season. Through 35 plate appearances, he’s recorded only 2 singles, for an .065 batting average. Ozuna hasn’t been barreling up balls much, with a 30.4% hard-hit percentage. Perhaps the one silver lining for Ozuna is a very unsustainable BABIP of .087, which would suggest that the hitting is likely to balance out.

Obviously, the sample size is small for Ozuna. The Pirates were clearly banking on Ozuna to be an upgrade at DH rather than go through the Andrew McCutchen nostalgia tour again.

Pittsburgh was the only team in the offseason that had any reported interest in Ozuna, which would seem to raise a red flag. Coming off a significant hip injury, as well as entering his age 35 season, it’s certainly understandable. Not to mention Ozuna’s well-documented character issue.

As we approach the middle part of April, I’m not prepared to say the Ozuna signing was a mistake. However, if the offensive struggles continue to persist a month from now, then it’s time to have a real conversation about Ozuna’s status on the team.

Assessment of the Konnor Griffin Extension

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:40:00 +0000

Aileen Bowers

On Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, it happened. It really happened. The Pirates signed their rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin to an extension of 9 years and $140 million dollars. A franchise setting contract. They may shatter their reputation.

Pirates have been justifiably criticized for many years for not spending money in the free agent market to field a competitive team. They’ve criticized for renting players and in some years failing to add pieces. They’ve been criticized for making poor draft choices with their No. 1 picks.

Well, Bucco fans. The Pirates have signed Konnor Griffin and they’ve spent money. This is surely not a rental or a lease. The highly touted No. 1 draft pick from 2024, is here. Not in Altoona or Indy. He’s here in Pittsburgh and he’s under contract with the Pirates for 9 years.

Is there risk? Of course. But there was risk when LeBron James, Sidney Crosby and Bryce Harper – just to name 3 other highly anticipated athletes who entered their respective leagues at ages before they could legally consume alcohol.

Griffin sped through the minor leagues in a very short period of time. Broadcaster Bob Walk marveled at Griffin’s hitting during Tuesday night’s game saying, “He’s 19. If you think about it, he should still be using an aluminum bat.” Walk is not given to hyperbole and made the statement with utmost admiration.

Now in the major leagues, Griffin is going to have to make adjustments and also deal with the grind of a 162 game season. However, Griffin appears to have another skill that should help with that adjustment.

Paul Skenes of all people – the 23 year old man with the poise and confidence of a 43 year old – has described Griffin as being the most mature guy he’s met for his age. And what Skenes thinks matters. Obviously, Pirates’ fans are dying for the Pirates to sign Skenes to a long term deal. In listening to Pirates’ Insider Jason Mackey this morning on 93.7 the Fan, Mackey said that Skenes wants to win and wants to see a commitment to winning.

Signing Konnor Griffin to a long term deal is a step in the right direction.

Pirates to Call Up Konnor Griffin

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

Baseball’s top prospect is headed to Pittsburgh, as Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette has reported that the Pirates are calling up Konnor Griffin from AAA Indianapolis, to make his Major League debut in Friday’s home opener at PNC Park.

After being selected by Pittsburgh ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Griffin hit in the ground running in his first professional season in 2025, as he slashed .333/.415/.527, while hitting 21 home runs and stealing 65 bases across three levels with Bradenton, Greensboro, and Altoona.

Entering spring training, the Pirates had an open competition at shortstop with Griffin, Jared Triolo, and Nick Gonzales. Griffin ended up being among the final cuts.

The Pirates assigned Griffin to Indianapolis. In five games, he collected seven hits and drew five walks, for a .571 on base percentage.

Griffin will be the first rookie shortstop to start a home opener for the Pirates since Jack Wilson in 2001.

Kyle Louis Had Pre-Draft Visit with Steelers

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:52:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As NFL teams continue to conduct pre-draft visits, the Pittsburgh Steelers visited with Pittsburgh Panthers All-American linebacker, Kyle Louis on Thursday. Because Louis is a local draft prospect, it won’t count towards the Steelers’ Top 30 pre-draft visits.

Louis became a starter with the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 as a redshirt sophomore. The 6’1, 220 pound linebacker emerged as one of the best defensive players in the ACC; recording seven sacks, four interceptions, and 15.5 tackles for loss.

Last season, Louis was productive again, with 8.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a pair of fumble recoveries.

At the NFL Combine, it was an opportunity for Louis to boost his draft stock. He displayed impressive speed during the 40-yard dash, as he ran an official time of 4.53.

Louis is projected to be a Day 2 draft selection, where most scouts view him as hybrid type that can play linebacker and also transition into a secondary role.

Steelers Sign Darnell Savage to One-Year Deal

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

The Pittsburgh Steelers added to their secondary depth late Tuesday night by signing veteran safety Darnell Savage to a one-year contract, this according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal is a guaranteed $1.4875 million.

Savage was a former first round selection of the Green Bay Packers in the 2019 draft out of the University of Maryland.

The first five seasons of Savage’s NFL career was spent with the Packers, His best year came in 2020, where he put up career-highs in interceptions (4) and pass deflections (12).

Savage cashed in as a free agent in March of 2024, when he agreed to sign a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth $21.75 million.

After just one season in Jacksonville, Savage was released by the Jaguars on September 16th.

A week later on September 22nd, the Washington Commanders brought in Savage. He played eight games with the Commanders, before requesting his release on December 4th.

It was on December 6th that the Buffalo Bills claimed Savage off waivers. He appeared in two games.

Savage has experience at both safety spots, so he should be the backup free safety to presumably Jalen Ramsey and a reserve strong safety to DeShon Elliott.

Cameron Johnston Signs with Steelers

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:12:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Adrian Kraus

A familiar name is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as veteran punter Cameron Johnston is signing with the Black and Gold; the team announced on Tuesday.

Johnston had originally signed with the Steelers in March of 2024, on a three-year deal for $9 million. In Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons, Johnston sustained a season-ending, knee injury. This prompted Pittsburgh to sign Corliss Waitman.

Entering the 2025 preseason, Johnston and Waitman battled it out for the Steelers’ punting job, with the latter claiming the role. As a result, the Steelers released Johnston from his contract.

On September 9th, the Buffalo Bills signed Johnston. He punted in three games for the Bills, before landing on IR with an injury to his planting foot. Johnston would be released based on an injury settlement.

The New York Giants inked Johnston to the practice squad on December 10th. He appeared in one game for the Giants.

The Steelers’ decision to bring back Johnston would presumably mean the team is moving on from Waitman, who is a restricted free agent.

During his eight seasons in the NFL, Johnston has averaged 47.2 yards per punt.

Steelers Sign Jamel Dean

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:59:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

After addressing their offense with the addition of Michael Pittman, the Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a significant piece to the defense, as they are signing veteran cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year contract worth $36.75 million. Both Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first reported the deal.

A third round selection in 2019 out of Auburn, Dean has played seven NFL seasons; all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was member of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl championship team in 2020.

Last season, Dean played in 14 games with Tampa Bay, as he posted a career-high three interceptions, which included a pick six, and a solid, passer rating against of 63.1.

Jalen Ramsey was acquired from the Miami Dolphins last offseason, to be a primary outside corner for the Steelers, but struggles at the position led to him being moved to free safety midseason. Other options to play the outside were James Pierre, Brandin Echols, and Asante Samuel Jr, who Pittsburgh just re-signed to a one-year deal for $4 million.

The signing of Dean should pair very well on the outside with Joey Porter Jr - an extension candidate this offseason.

Breaking Down the Steelers Trade of Michael Pittman

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:13:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

Monday began the first day of the new league year in the NFL, and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time addressing their biggest need of the offseason, as they have acquired veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first mentioned the deal, and that the two teams will be swapping late round picks, while NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Pittman being signed to a three-year, $59 million dollar extension from the Steelers.

Pittman was a second round draft selection of the Colts out of USC in 2020.

The 28-year-old wideout spent the first six years of his career with Indianapolis. He recorded over 1,000 yards receiving twice in 2021 (1,082) and 2023 (1,152). This past season, Pittman had 784 yards receiving and a career-high seven touchdown receptions.

Assessment of the deal: Pittman was set to make $22 million in 2026, but the Colts made him expendable, this after re-signing Alec Pierce to a four-year deal for $116 million, which now makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.

As for the Steelers, they needed to bring in a bonafide, WR2, to pair alongside DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh finished 2025 ranked 22nd in passing offense, so the addition of Pittman should help remedy that issue.

The Steelers are certainly in a favorable position, in regards to available cap space. Before this move, they had over $51 million to spend.

This situation with Pittman is very similar to what the Steelers did last offseason with Metcalf, when they acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks and then extended him shortly after.

Steelers general manager, Omar Khan, took advantage of a team looking to move a quality receiver for cap purposes, and add to a position that quite frankly had been ignored the past two seasons. For the beginning of new league year, it’s a great start for the Steelers offense.

Pitt Reportedly Ready to Move on from Jeff Capel

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:47:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

p/c: Grant Halverson

The writing on the wall could become even more visible for Jeff Capel, as Pete Nakos of On3 is reporting that Pitt’s top boosters have worked to collect enough money to buy out the Panthers men’s basketball head coach.

Capel is about to wrap up his eighth season at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s been another disappointing season for the 51-year-old Capel, as the Panthers finished the regular season with a record of 12-19, while going 5-13 in ACC play.

During Capel’s tenure at Pitt, his team has made the NCAA Tournament just once, when they went dancing in 2023.

Capel was signed to a three-year extension in July of 2024 by former Pitt Athletic Director, Heather Lyke.

Earlier this week, current Pitt AD, Allen Greene, fired women’s head basketball coach, Tory Verdi. Should Greene give Capel the pink slip, the school would be buying out the remaining four years of his deal.

Assessment of the Elmer Söderblom Trade

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:58:00 +0000

Jason Shetler

The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2026 NHL trade deadline as unexpected buyers.

During the final hour of the deadline, the Penguins acquired forward Elmer Söderblom from the Detroit Red Wings. In return, Detroit receives a 2026 third round draft pick. The pick was original property of the San Jose Sharks, which Pittsburgh obtained as part of the Erik Karlsson trade, in the summer of 2023.

Söderblom was a sixth round selection of the Red Wings in the 2019 draft.

The Swedish born Söderblom played parts of three seasons in Detroit, including this season, where he scored two goals in 39 games.

Söderblom is an enormous individual, standing 6’8, 252 pounds. Despite the huge size, he’s not a particularly physical forward, however, he does possess a very good shot.

Assessment of the trade: The Red Wings get back really good value, for a forward they probably felt wasn’t going to be anymore than a bottom six guy.

As for the Penguins, president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, mentioned earlier this week that the team was seeking out a reclamation type forward; similar to what Dubas did in December, when he traded for Egor Chinahkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Söderblom has an AAV of $1.125 million next season, and will be a restricted free agent heading into 2027-28.

The hope for Pittsburgh is that Söderblom can provide quality, bottom six forward depth. Söderblom is only 24, so perhaps head coach Dan Muse and his staff can try to develop his overall game even further.