What Is the Likelihood Najee Harris Returns to Pittsburgh?
p/c: Ron Chenoy
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have plenty of interesting decisions to make this offseason. Most of which will need to be addressed, on the offensive side of the ball. One of the most notable involves Najee Harris.
Despite coming off a 1,000 yard rushing season, in 2023, the Steelers made the surprising choice, to decline Harris’ fifth-year option last offseason.
2024 was more of the same, for the former first rounder, as he rushed for 1,043 yards - marking his fourth consecutive 1,000 yard campaign.
According to StatMuse, Harris has the fifth most rushing yards since joining the league in 2021, while also playing the most games of any running back, in that stretch.
Harris is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and will be one of the top backs, on the open market. So is there a chance that he chooses to sign elsewhere?
The Steelers re-signing Harris could depend on a couple of factors. Russell Wilson, who’s also a UFA, has a desire, to stay in Pittsburgh, and might want to sign long-term. Another factor would be the Steelers possibly going aggressive, on a big time wide receiver.
It’s no secret that the Steelers fancy themselves as a ball control offense. Harris has been productive, as well as extremely durable.
If Pittsburgh wants to realistically bring Harris back into the fold, then perhaps they move on from Wilson, as a money saver, and re-sign Justin Fields, to a much more inexpensive contract. Perhaps not breaking the bank on a receiver would create more funds, with the additional cap space the Steelers will have this offseason, to try and get Harris inked to a deal.
Bears Reportedly Denied Trade Opportunity for Mike Tomlin
It was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, on Saturday morning, that the Chicago Bears recently called the Pittsburgh Steelers, to see if they could talk about making a trade, for Mike Tomlin, but that Pittsburgh rebuffed their inquiry. Schefter added that Tomlin’s contract has a no-trade clause.
The Bears are in search of a new voice on the sideline, after firing Matt Eberflus, and replacing him with Thomas Brown, on the interim.
Tomlin just wrapped up his 18th season, as Steelers head coach, finishing with a record of 10-7.
Despite Tomlin’s non-losing season streak being intact, Pittsburgh was once again bounced out of the opening round; extending their playoff win drought.
Ironically, the Bears interviewed Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith this week, for their head coaching position. They also spoke with Pittsburgh native and recently fired Mike McCarthy.
Weighing the Pros & Cons of a George Pickens Trade
p/c: Tommy Gilligan
In the current landscape of Pittsburgh sports, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has become a hot button topic.
The former University of Georgia product has displayed incredible, athleticism, during his three seasons with the Black & Gold.
Coming off a 1,140 yard receiving season, in 2023, Pickens recorded exactly 900 receiving yards this season, despite playing in 14 games.
But perhaps Pickens’ worst enemy at times can be Pickens himself - whether it’s giving nonchalant answers to the media, or in-game behavior.
While 900 yards seems impressive for Pickens, the caveat is that he struggled mightily, in the Steelers’ last four regular season games, averaging just 43 yards receiving.
Pickens has already been floated in trade discussions, for this offseason. But would it make sense? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros - When healthy, Pickens is a dynamic, deep ball threat, who can stretch the field, and when going right, can look like one of the best wideouts, within the AFC.
Cons - As well-documented, Pickens no doubt has shown his immaturity, on certain occasions. For the Steelers, it’s something that may be hurting the locker room morale. If Pickens is available in trade talks, that could hurt Omar Khan’s leverage, as teams known what a distraction Pickens potentially is.
Aside from Pickens’ personality, he’s also in the final year of his rookie contract, so given the lack of team control, for his services, you could probably rule out a first round pick, as part of a deal. Realistically, however, a second and third round pick, for this year’s draft, might get it done.
The idea of trading Pickens would depend on who the Steelers could sign in free agency. Most have speculated Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins as a potential target.
Even if Pittsburgh were to land Higgins, would they still want to move Pickens? Yes, there’s the headache that comes with the 23-year-old, but he’s a quality, wideout, on a very affordable salary. Also, Omar Khan doesn’t want to have a repeat of last offseason, when he dealt Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, and had no real contingency plan, to replace Johnson. What the Steelers decide to do with Pickens will be one of many layers for this team to address.
Steelers Reportedly Interested In Bringing Back Justin Fields
p/c: John Locher
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in giving a new contract to quarterback Justin Fields, this according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Fields was acquired via trade from the Chicago Bears last offseason, in exchange for a 2025 conditional sixth round pick.
The Steelers entered training camp and preseason having a quarterback competition between Fields and Russell Wilson, with the latter being named the winner.
However, a calf injury to Wilson allowed Fields to open the season as the starter.
Fields started the first six games for Pittsburgh and played well, recording 10 touchdowns (five passing; five rushing), while throwing just one interception. Overall, he had a 93.3 passer rating. When Wilson returned, Fields was used primarily in designed run packages.
It’s probably not a surprise that the Steelers want to have Fields on the roster, in some capacity next season, given the upside he provided at the position.
A Fields return to Pittsburgh could depend on how other teams on the open market view him. If there’s a team intrigued enough to make Fields a guaranteed starter, and for decent money, then I would expect the former first round selection to sign elsewhere.
Why Steelers Should Move on from Russell Wilson
p/c: Tommy Gilligan
Another year - another Pittsburgh Steelers first round playoff exit.
Many questions will need to be answered this offseason, following a five-game losing streak, which included an inept, postseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-14. Perhaps the biggest question surrounds the future of Russell Wilson.
After the Denver Broncos decided to release Wilson last offseason, the former nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback chose Pittsburgh as his next destination by signing a one-year deal, for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million.
Entering training camp, Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers got off to an inauspicious start, as he dealt with a calf injury. Whether the injury kept nagging Wilson, or the team being extra cautious, Justin Fields found himself as the starter during the first several weeks of the season.
Wilson made his Steelers debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets, where he went 16-29, for 264 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Thru his first seven games, Wilson put up an excellent, passer rating of 104.2. However, he struggled in his final four regular season games, which became a microcosm of the Steelers’ losing streak, registering an 82.8 passer rating.
Despite losing to the Ravens, on Wildcard Weekend, Wilson performed well, going 20-29, for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
The entire season numbers for Wilson was 2,482 passing yards, along with a 16-5 TD/INT reception.
As Wilson enters next season at age 36, the type of contract he’ll receive in free agency is really anyone’s guess. Most have speculated a two-year deal, but with a ballpark amount being an uncertainty.
One would have to imagine that Wilson would sign for a good amount, even short-term. But is it something the Steelers should explore?
Quite honestly, the Steelers need to go younger at the quarterback position based on where they’re at currently. Whether it’s Fields, another free agent QB, or someone in the draft. Investing more money into Wilson doesn’t make much sense for the Steelers, especially when they’re nowhere near a Super Bowl contending team, and I don’t expect it, if Wilson is around a couple more years.
Whatever amount Pittsburgh could spend on Wilson would be better served spent on the offensive line, and/or a quality, wide receiver this offseason.
Examining Eli Holstein’s First Season as Pitt Quarterback
p/c: Matt Freed
Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi was looking to revamp the offense, for the 2024 season.
In December of 2023, Narduzzi hired Western Carolina offensive coordinator, Kade Bell, who ran a dynamic, high-powered offense.
Pitt football made its most notable addition from the transfer portal in January, as they brought in former Alabama quarterback Eli Holstein. Before arriving to Tuscaloosa, Holstein was considered a four-star recruit.As a redshirt freshman, Holstein earned the starting QB job over Nate Yarnell.
The 19-year-old Holstein made his Panthers debut, in the season opener versus Kent State. He went 31-41, for 333 yards, along with three touchdowns.
In the second week of the season, Holstein led an incredible comeback, as Pitt defeated Cincinnati, 28-27, with Holstein going 20-35, 302 yards passing, and three touchdowns.
The third game is where Holstein was properly introduced to the Backyard Brawl. Against West Virginia, he compiled 301 yards through the air, along with three touchdowns, while leading yet another dramatic, fourth quarter rally, to defeat the Mountaineers, 38-34.
It was October 5th that Holstein had his strongest performance versus North Carolina, as he threw for a season best 381 yards, while finding the end zone four times, including one on the ground. He helped give Pitt their first win in Chapel Hill since joining the ACC in 2013.
The Panthers would suffer their first loss of the season to SMU. For Holstein, he played okay, as he went 29-48, for 248 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
In Pitt’s loss to Virginia that following week, Holstein would have his worst showing. He only threw for 121 yards, while completing only 43.5% of his passes.
During the Panthers’ 37-9 loss to Louisville, Holstein suffered an ankle injury. As it turned out, the injury kept him out the remainder of the season, including the bowl game.
On Friday, Holstein announced via Twitter/X that he will be returning to the University of Pittsburgh next season.
Assessment: The first half of the 2024 season saw Holstein emerge as one of the best freshmen quarterbacks in the nation. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week, on four different occasions. Holstein also guided the program to their first 7-0 start since 1982.
The second half of the year was a bit of a struggle for Holstein, particularly in the SMU and Virginia games. The ankle injury he sustained at Louisville was an unfortunate end to his season.
Given the circumstance of being a freshman quarterback at a new school, Holstein had a very good season all told. If I had to give out a grade, for Holstein’s overall 2024, a B would be more than fair.
Top 5 Pittsburgh Sports Moments of 2024
As we get ready to put a bow, on 2024, I’ve decided to put together a Top 5 list of the most memorable Pittsburgh sports moments from this year. Honorable mention that just missed was Pitt football’s dramatic, 38-34 victory over West Virginia. Here now are the Top 5 going from 5 to 1.
5. Paul Skenes’ MLB debut: 10 months after being selected as the #1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the 2023 MLB Draft, Paul Skenes made his very much anticipated big league debut against the Chicago Cubs, on May 11th.
PNC Park, as well as the entire baseball world. was an absolute buzz, in regards to the 21-year-old rookie phenom. He pitched four innings, allowing three runs, and striking out seven.
While it may not have been the best debut from a statistical standpoint, it was the magnitude of Skenes’ debut in general that made it special.
4. Andrew McCutchen clubs 300th homer: In September of 2023, Andrew McCutchen was sitting on 299 career home runs, before suffering a partial tear of his Achilles tendon.
The Pirates re-signed McCutchen last offseason, to a one-year deal for $5 million, which would give Cutch the opportunity, to get 300 homers, in a Pirates uniform.
On April 14th at Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia, the former NL MVP homered off Phillies reliever, Ricardo Pinto, for his 300th.
McCutchen is currently the 12th active MLB player to reach 300 home runs.
3. Paul Skenes shines in Midsummer Classic: Despite not being called up to the Majors until the middle part of May, Paul Skenes’ dominance was getting more hard to ignore. Fans agreed, as they voted him to the All-Star Game, in Arlington, Texas.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager, Torey Lovullo, revealed on The Dan Patrick Show that Skenes would be the starter, for the National League. It marked the first time ever a Pirates rookie started an All-Star Game.
Skenes took the Globe Life Field mound, to open the bottom of the first. He got leadoff man Steven Kwan to pop out, followed by a groundout from Gunnar Henderson. After issuing a walk to Juan Soto - a cross up with William Contreras that should’ve been a strikeout - Skenes faced Aaron Judge and promptly retired him on a weak grounder. It was a proper showcase, for the eventual NL Rookie of the Year.
2. Evgeni Malkin reaches 500: While Sidney Crosby eclipsed the 500 goal milestone, on February 15th, 2022, Evgeni Malkin didn’t want his greatness to be overshadowed.
Taking on the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena, on October 16th, the Penguins were victorious, 6-5, in overtime. During the third period, Malkin placed himself, in Penguins’ lore by scoring his 500th goal. Crosby picked up the assist, on the Malkin tally. It was poetic irony, as Malkin recorded the assist, when Crosby got to 500.
Malkin became just the second Russian born player, to score 500 NHL goals; joining Alex Ovechkin.
1. 600 for Sidney: As mentioned previously, Sidney Crosby reached 500 goals, in February of 2022. The future Hall of Famer, as always, had his sights set higher.
On November 23rd, the Penguins squared off with the Utah Hockey Club, for the very first time, and lost by a score of 6-1. However, the PPG Paints Arena crowd got to witness their Captain add to his growing legacy, as Crosby scored via a 5-on-3 power play, for the 600th goal of his illustrious, hockey career.
The 600 goals made Crosby only the 21st NHL player all-time to reach the milestone.
Desmond Reid Returning to Pitt In 2025
p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Panthers running back Desmond Reid announced on his Instagram that he will be returning to the school, for his senior year next season.
Reid transferred to Pitt from Western Carolina, before this year. The move reunited him with Kade Bell, who was his offensive coordinator at Western Carolina.
During Pitt’s season opener versus Kent State, Reid made an impact, in his Panthers’ debut, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown. He also ran back a 78-yard punt return for a score.
Reid followed that up in the second week against Cincinnati, where he rushed for 148 yards and had 106 yards receiving - becoming the first RB in school history, to have both at least 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game.
In 10 games with Pitt, Reid averaged 5.3 yards on the ground (797 yards on 151 carries). As far as overall yards from scrimmage, he compiled 1,361 yards, along with eight touchdowns.
It came out on Monday that Reid had been named to the AP All-America Team, as a second team all-purpose player.
Breaking Down the Spencer Horwitz Trade to Pirates
p/c: Michael Zagaris
It was a hectic, Tuesday night, if you’re Spencer Horwitz.
Reports came out that the 27-year-old infielder, along with outfielder Nick Mitchell, were being dealt from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Cleveland Guardians, in exchange for second baseman Andres Gimenez and reliever Nick Sandlin.
Just a few hours later, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that Horwitz was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In return, the Guardians are receiving pitchers Luis Ortiz, Michael Kennedy, and Josh Hartle.
Horwitz is coming off a good year offensively, for the Blue Jays, putting up an OPS of .790, in 381 plate appearances. He drew walks at an 11% rate, while cutting down on strikeouts from 27.3%, in 2023, to 18.4% this year.
Ortiz had spent parts of three seasons in Pittsburgh. The 25-year-old righty performed really well in 2024, as he registered a 3.32 ERA; splitting his time between the rotation and bullpen.
Kennedy was a fourth round draft selection of the Pirates in 2022. He is the 15th ranked prospect in the system, according to MLB Pipeline.
This past season, Kennedy posted a 3.66 ERA combined with Low A Bradenton and High A Greensboro.
The Pirates took Hartle in the third round of this year’s draft. He made just one appearance for Bradenton. MLB Pipeline had Hartle as Pittsburgh’s #17 prospect.
Assessment: The Guardians have been lacking starting pitching depth, and they certainly get some back by flipping Horwitz to the Bucs. Ortiz can slide right into Cleveland’s rotation next season. Although Kennedy and Hartle are ways away from the bigs, both are left-handers, with solid, upside,
On the other side, the Pirates get a first baseman in Horwitz, who’s in the prime of his career, with years of control, and won’t become a free agent until after the 2029 season. It’s also worth noting that new Pirates hitting coach, Matt Hague, worked with Horwitz, as Toronto’s assistant hitting coach, so perhaps there was some input on Hague’s part.
While Ben Cherington may have overpaid a little too much on the return, it still feels like a good deal, for each team.
Elandon Roberts Wants to Remain a Steeler for Life
p/c: Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts mentioned to 93.7 The Fan’s Donny Football on his weekly radio show that he plans on staying in Pittsburgh, for the rest of his career.
Roberts inked a two-year contract worth $7 million with the Steelers, prior to the 2023 season.
In 16 games for Pittsburgh last year, Roberts compiled 101 combined tackles, along with 2.5 sacks.
This season, the Steelers have gotten quality, run stopping defense from Roberts again, No finer example than in Pittsburgh’s Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns, when he made a key tackle for loss, on Nick Chubb, in a fourth & short situation.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has credited Roberts, as well as fellow veteran ILB Patrick Queen, for serving as mentors, to rookie Payton Wilson, who’s been having a productive, first season in the NFL.
Roberts is set to become an unrestricted free agent, following the season. Based on Roberts” comments of wanting to stay in Pittsburgh, it should be a mutual feeling for the Steelers, to lock up one of the best run stoppers in the league.
Arthur Smith Considered “Dark Horse Candidate” for Jets’ Head Coaching Job
p/c: Justin Berl
Rich Cimini, who covers the New York Jets for ESPN NFL Nation, mentioned on his Flight Deck podcast that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is a “dark horse candidate”, for the Jets’ head coaching position.
The 42-year-old Smith was hired by the Steelers this past offseason, this after being let go as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
According to Cimini, former Jets HC Robert Saleh wanted to add Smith to his coaching staff, before he took Pittsburgh’s offer.
Under Smith, the Steelers’ offense this season is averaging 24.7 points per game, which is currently 10th best in the league.
Following Mack Brown’s dismissal from North Carolina, on November 26th, there was speculation that Smith would be a candidate, for the UNC head job, but he recently turned down the opportunity, to coach at his alma mater.
Steelers Reportedly Want to Keep Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
According to a report on Sunday from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers want to keep quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields beyond the 2024 season.
Wilson joined the Steelers as a free agent on March 15th - two days after he was released by the Denver Broncos. Pittsburgh signed the nine-time Pro Bowl QB to the veteran minimum at $1.2 million.
Following the trade of Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears, in exchange for a 2025 conditional sixth round draft pick. Later on in the offseason, Steelers GM Omar Khan declined Fields’ fifth-year option for ‘25.
Fields opened the season as Pittsburgh’s QB1, this after Wilson had been recovering from a calf injury. The 25-year-old Fields played very well in Wilson’s absence, with 10 touchdowns (five passing; five rushing, one interception, and a passer rating of 93.3.
Since taking over for Fields as the starter, Wilson has a 10-3 TD-INT ratio, along with 104.3 passer rating. Meanwhile, Fields is being used primarily in run design packages.
The dynamic of the Steelers wanting to keep both Wilson and Fields could be a complicated matter. Although it’s possible Wilson could return to Pittsburgh, on reasonable contract, given the amount of money he’s still owed from the Broncos, Fields is a young QB, who based on how he performed during Wilson’s injury, would likely draw interest from several teams looking to address a QB1 this offseason.
What Could an Oneil Cruz Extension Look Like?
p/c: Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports
Over the past couple years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have tried to identify pieces, to build around moving forward.
The first instance was Ke’Bryan Hayes, who signed an eight-year extension for $70 million, on Opening Day 2022.
Early on in ‘23, the Bucs and Bryan Reynolds agreed to an eight-year deal worth $106 million, which marked the first time in club history that a player signed a contract of least $100 million.
And it was last offseason that Mitch Keller became the biggest money signed pitcher ever by the Pirates, as he inked a five-year deal for a total of $77 million.
Lots of people have speculated about the Pirates locking up Oneil Cruz at some point.
After missing a large majority of the ‘23 season recovering from a torn fibula, Cruz returned to full health this past season. These were the hitting metrics from the 25-year-old slugger.
To say Cruz was a Statcast darling with the bat in 2024 would be a massive understatement.
In terms of average exit velocity, Cruz was among the best in baseball at 95.5 mph. As a matter of fact, he finished with the third highest exit velo behind only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani; each of whom won the MVP in their respective leagues. To give further perspective, Juan Soto, who’s expected to sign a record-breaking contract this offseason, had an exit velo less than Cruz at 94.2.
As you might expect, the high exit velo directly correlated with Cruz’s ability to smoke the baseball, as he delivered hard hits more than half the time at 54.9%.
As a whole offensively, Cruz was almost a four-win player, posting an oWAR of 3.8, along with a 113 OPS+, in 599 plate appearances. He was also an effective basestealer, swiping 22 bases in 23 attempts, for an outstanding, 95.7% success rate.
In late August, Pirates’ management made the unexpected decision to move Cruz off shortstop and into center field. With -9 Defensive Runs Saved at short, perhaps his 6’7 frame would cause too many moving parts, and having him play center field would possibly maximize his missile of a throwing arm even more.
So hypothetically speaking, what could an extension for Cruz turn out to be?
Cruz is now in the prime of his career at 26. There’s still the potential of a 40/40 type performer, or at least, 30/30. Either type of production would instantly make him a Top 5 center fielder offensively. And if Cruz is able to play good enough defense in center, it’s the profile of a bonafide, All-Star, perhaps even a borderline MVP type.
Realistically, an extension offer to Cruz of seven years at $112 million seems like more than a fair offer from the Pirates’ end, as it would obviously surpass Reynolds’ guaranteed money figure. Should a deal of that length come to fruition this winter, or during spring training, it would go into effect in 2025, while covering all three arbitration years, and three years of free agency. Like many big contracts in MLB, perhaps the Pirates could guarantee most of Cruz’s money on the backend.
Bubble Players Who Are Out of Options for Pirates
Entering this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ main needs are expected to be at first base, right field, and possibly shortstop.
Aside from addressing those needs outside the organization, there are remaining spots that will be decided upon during competition in spring training. There are always players who are out of options trying to break the team out of camp. Here are the players that fall into that category for the Pirates.
Joey Wentz
After reaching the big leagues in a starter capacity, Joey Wentz made the transition to full-time reliever with the Detroit Tigers this year.
The 27-year-old southpaw had a rough time in the Tigers’ bullpen, as he posted a 5.37 ERA, along with a 1.57 WHIP, in 38 appearances.
Pittsburgh claimed Wentz off waivers from the Tigers in early September.
Although it was a small sample size, in 12 innings, Wentz pitched very well for the Pirates, with an ERA of 1.50.
Wentz will look to compete in spring, as a lefty arm trying to find a role, within Pittsburgh’s middle relief.
Joshua Palacios
In 2023, Joshua Palacios became one of the most surprising developments in the Pirates’ organization.
Playing for AAA Indianapolis, Palacios went bonkers, as he slashed .437/.500/.774, before earning a call up to Pittsburgh in May.
While with the Pirates, the numbers were subpar, for Palacios, with a line of .239/.279/.413, in 264 plate appearances. He did display some pop in the bat hitting 10 homers.
2024 was somewhat of a lost year for Palacios due to injuries. He appeared in 23 games with the Bucs, slashing .224/.333/.343.
Palacios plays with a ton of energy, and provides a good clubhouse presence. When healthy, he’s shown decent flashes, to be a fourth outfield type, which is what he’ll be competing for in March.
Liover Peguero
As the headliner of the Starling Marte trade in 2020, Liover Peguero has yet to fully establish himself as a vital piece of the Pirates’ plans.
Peguero was given an opportunity to be Pittsburgh’s everyday shortstop, this after Oneil Cruz was recovering from a fractured fibula in 2023. The young, middle infielder wasn’t able to capitalize on the chance, as he posted a batting line of just .237/.280/.374. Defensively at short, he a -3 Defensive Runs Saved and a -1 Outs Above Average.
This past season, Peguero spent much of his time as an Indianapolis Indian, where he didn’t post the strongest offensive numbers, putting up a .729 OPS, in 555 plate appearances.
Out of all players on the Pirates’ 40-man looking to make the Opening Day roster, Peguero will have the biggest chip on his shoulder. It wasn’t long ago that he was the top shortstop prospect in the Pirates’ system.
It’s curious how the Bucs will address the shortstop position heading into 2025. With Cruz moving to center field, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa got some run there, although I feel he’s best suited in a super utility role. Unless Ben Cherington obtains another veteran to play at short, then perhaps Peguero could be given one final opportunity to win the job.
Peter Strzelecki
The most recent addition to the Pirates’ organization is Peter Strzelecki, who the team acquired from the Cleveland Guardians on Friday for cash considerations.
Strzelecki had been with the Milwaukee Brewers to enter 2024, but was dealt to the Guardians around Opening Day, in a cash swap.
Most of Strzelecki’s time this season was spent with AAA Columbus, posting a 5.01 ERA and a FIP of 3.51.
In parts of three big league seasons, Strzelecki has done pretty good work, with a 3.44 ERA, as well as a 3.2 BB/9 and a 9.3 K/9.
As I mentioned earlier with Joey Wentz, Strzelecki is another out of options reliever, who could try to grab a spot in the Pirates’ middle relief group.
Five First Base Candidates for Pirates to Consider
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ first base situation in 2024 consisted of a Rowdy Tellez/Connor Joe platoon.
Tellez had underwhelming production, slashing .243/.299/.392, along with just 13 homers, while Joe struggled against left-handed pitching in the second half.
For the Pirates, first base will once again be a main priority to address this offseason. Going thru potential candidates, here are five the Bucs should consider.
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana was the Pirates first baseman, for most of 2023, before getting moved to the Milwaukee Brewers around the trade deadline, in exchange for infield prospect Jhonny Severino.
Last offseason, the Minnesota Twins came to terms with Santana, on a one-year deal worth $5.25 million.
The 38-year-old switch-hitter had solid numbers offensively for the Twins. In 594 plate appearances, he hit 23 home runs, while posting a wRC+ of 114.
Going by the defensive metrics, Santana is coming off his best season, registering +14 Outs Above Average, along with +8 Defensive Runs Saved. Those figures were enough for him to capture the first Gold Glove award of his career.
A reunion between the Pirates and Santana certainly shouldn’t be out of the question.
Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor finished up his fifth season as a member of the Cleveland Guardians.
2024 was yet another productive year, for the 27-year-old Naylor, who became a first time All-Star. He had a 118 wRC+, in 633 plate appearances, while putting up career-highs in homers (31) and RBI (108).
The defensive figures weren’t kind to Naylor this past season, as he registered a -6 OAA and +1 DRS.
Many expect the Guardians to move Naylor in the offseason, not only given his projected $12 million, in his final year of arbitration, but because they have Kyle Manzardo, as a first base prospect waiting in the wings.
Cleveland’s starting rotation isn’t a strength for them, so they might want to deal Naylor for pitching, and the Pirates would seem to be an ideal trade partner.
Nathaniel Lowe
Perhaps one of the more underrated players in the American League currently is Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
In 140 games this year, Lowe was close to a three-win player, with a 2.8 fWAR. Offensively, he posted a 121 wRC+. His .361 on base percentage was fourth highest among MLB first basemen.
Lowe is projected to make $10.7 million this offseason, as he will be arbitration eligible for a third time.
Ryan Mountcastle
The Baltimore Orioles may have had the most productive platoon in 2024 regarding first base, with Ryan O’Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle.
From the right side of the plate, Mountcastle hit lefties well, as he slashed .306/.350/.463.
As Mountcastle enters this winter being arbitration eligible for a second time, his projected figure is at $6.6 million.
Similar to the Guardians, the Orioles are also in need of rotation help. Pittsburgh and Baltimore were trading partners in the summer, with a prospect swap involving Patrick Reilly and Billy Cook.
Yandy Díaz
Yandy Díaz had himself a career year with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023, where he was the AL batting champion (.330 average), as well as a five-win player (5.2 bWAR).
After posting a .932 OPS in ‘23, Díaz’s offensive production wasn’t as good this past season, with an OPS of .755, which is still a respectable figure.
If nothing else, Díaz can do major damage against lefty pitching, slashing a career line of .311/.394/.501.
Defense at first base has never been Díaz’s strong suit, and 2024 was no different, as he registered a -5 DRS and -3 OAA.
Díaz is owed $10 million next season, and has 2026 club option for $12 million.
For a Pirates team, who struck out a ton this year, Díaz would provide a solid, approach at the plate, with a career strikeout rate of only 15.0%.
Pirates Acquire Peter Strzelecki
While the Pittsburgh Pirates non-tendered Connor Joe and Bryan De La Cruz on Friday evening, another notable move was made by the Bucs, as they acquired RHP Peter Strzelecki from the Cleveland Guardians, in exchange for cash considerations.
Early in the 2024 season, Cleveland obtained Strzelecki from the Arizona Diamondbacks; also in a cash deal.
Strzelecki spent most of this year pitching for AAA Columbus, where he posted a 5.01 ERA in 44 relief appearances, but did manage to have a respectable, 3.55 FIP.
The Guardians recalled Strzelecki a few times. He appeared in 10 games with Cleveland, posting an ERA of 2.31. The 30-year-old righty relied mostly on his four-seamer, which he threw 42.2% of the time. Despite averaging just 92.3 mph, he produced an average exit velocity against of 82.9. Strzelecki held opponents to a .231 average with his changeup, while his slider was only hit at a .143 clip.
In parts of three MLB seasons, Strzelecki has registered a 3.44 ERA. He has 86 strikeouts in 83.2 innings thrown, for a 9.3 K/9. The walk rate isn’t bad either at a 3.2 BB/9.
Strzelecki is out of minor league options, so there‘s a decent chance that he could be apart of the Pirates’ bullpen, as a potential middle relief candidate.
Projecting Johan Oviedo’s Role with Pirates In 2025
p/c: Mary Altaffer
At the 2022 trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates sold high on veteran lefty Jose Quintana. One of the pieces obtained in the deal from the St. Louis Cardinals was pitcher Johan Oviedo.
After being used as a reliever with the Cardinals, Oviedo made the transition to a starter for the Pirates, which was a shrewd move, given Pittsburgh’s lack of rotation depth. In seven starts with the Bucs in ‘22, he put up a 3.23 ERA.
Oviedo found himself as a mainstay, on the Pirates’ pitching staff, as he posted an ERA of 4.31, along with a 104 ERA+, in a career-high 32 starts. His 2.1 bWAR was also a career best.
The Pirates were dealt a blow, to their rotation depth, when Oviedo had to undergo Tommy John surgery in December. This of course caused him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
Oviedo is first time arbitration eligible this offseason, with MLB Trade Rumors projecting the Cuban born right-hander to earn $1.5 million - a bargain based on his decent, 2023 numbers.
So the question heading into 2025 becomes what role will the Pirates use for Oviedo?
With Oviedo recovering from the elbow procedure this year, the depth within Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has improved. Obviously, Paul Skenes and Jared Jones impressed as rookies, but other pitchers like Bailey Falter and Luis Ortiz each took a step forward. And then there’s promising, young arms on the horizon, with Bubba Chandler, Thomas Harrington, and Mike Burrows.
For all intents and purposes, the Pirates will most likely monitor Oviedo’s workload next year, so depending how much he pitches in spring training, a long relief role out of the bullpen, in 2-3 inning spurts, would seem realistic. Oviedo has one minor league option remaining, which would give the Pirates the opportunity to send him to AAA Indianapolis, if they decide to stretch him out as a starter, in a more controlled environment.
Oilers, Canucks Reportedly Interested In Marcus Pettersson
By Jason Shetler
According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson is garnering trade interest from the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.
Pettersson has spent parts of seven seasons in Pittsburgh, and has consistently been the Penguins’ most reliable defenseman over the last few years.
The 28-year-old native of Sweden had his best showing in 2023-24, registering career-highs in points (30) and blocked shots (159). In 82 games, he posted a +28.
Pettersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent, following the season, and has an average annual of $4,025,175.
Currently next-to-last, within the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins have already found themselves selling off veteran pieces, as they traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals last week, for a pair of draft picks.
It’s unclear what the level of trade interest would be from the Oilers and Canucks regarding Pettersson. Canucks president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, had acquired Pettersson back in December of 2018, when Rutherford was general manager of the Penguins.
2025 Pirates X-factor: Jared Jones
p/c: Matthew Stockman
While Paul Skenes took the baseball world by storm, as a rookie phenom in 2024, another first year arm was also looking to impress in the big leagues, and that arm was Jared Jones.
A second round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2020 MLB Draft, Jones made a quick, ascension through the Pirates’ system.
During spring training, one competition resided in the Pirates’ rotation, with two spots up for grabs. As it turned out, Jones absolutely dominated, to the point where he was arguably the best pitcher in the Grapefruit League. Those efforts resulted in Jones actually making the Opening Day roster, despite no MLB service time.
In five April starts, Jones was outstanding, as he posted a 2.88 ERA.
The walk number for Jones in the first half was low, as he issued just 27 free passes in 89 innings of work, for an impressive, 2.7 BB/9.
It was in early July that Jones was put on the injured list with a right lat strain, and missed nearly two months.
When Jones returned to Pittsburgh on August 27th, he wasn’t the same effective pitcher. In his final six outings, Jones had an ERA of 5.87. While the walk figure increased at 3.6, so did the home runs, as he allowed six homers in 30.2 innings (1.8 HR/9).
Jones recorded 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings this season, for a 9.8 K/9, which was fourth best among MLB rookie starters.
Overall, Jones registered an ERA+ right around league average at 101, along with a 1.8 WAR.
Heading into 2025, I view Jones as the Pirates’ biggest X-factor, on the pitching side. Stuff-wise, he’s certainly capable of being the pitcher he was in the first half of this year, before he got hurt, when he was throwing strikes consistently, and effectively mixing up the power four-seamer and slider.
Jones will need to prove that the second half numbers weren’t reflective of the type of starter he could still become potentially. Should Jones perform closer to what he did the first three months of 2024, if not better, then he would be that bonafide, third starter in the Pirates’ rotation behind Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller. Or who knows, at 23, Jones might be able to surpass Keller as the #2 arm on the staff.
Should Pirates Bring Back Charlie Morton?
p/c: Jim Rassol
Entering the 2024 season, with some uncertainty, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation became a bright spot.
While it’s obvious to point out the contributions of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller had another productive year, Jared Jones showed promising flashes as a rookie, and both Luis Ortiz and Bailey Falter took a positive step forward.
The old baseball adage is you can never have enough quality pitching. So would the Pirates add to their rotation depth this offseason? And would it be with a familiar name?
Much speculation around Charlie Morton was that 2024 would be his final Major League season, but ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that the veteran righty plans on pitching in 2025.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Morton had what you would call a roller coaster journey. From a struggling pitcher looking for answers, to a legit, groundball hurler (earning him the apropos nickname of Ground Chuck).
After recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he had in 2012, Morton became a key part of the Pirates’ staff during the team’s three-year playoff run.
Post-Pirates Morton was able to reinvent himself again, into more of the power pitcher he was, before he arrived to the bigs. The combination of a harder fastball, and his plus curveball, have certainly helped preserve his career even more.
Morton’s 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Braves was decent overall, posting a 4.19 ERA, along with a 1.1 WAR in 30 starts. The curveball continued to be his bread & butter, as he used the offering 42.4% of the time, and limited opposing batters to a .200 average with it. Despite pitching in his age 40 season, Morton’s fastball velocity remained solid at 94.1 mph.
It feels like a safe bet that Morton would sign a one-year deal, to whoever will offer him the most, for his services. If the Pirates were to have serious interest, I could see them giving Morton a contract similar to what Martín Pérez received from the Bucs last offseason at one-year, $8 million.
Signing Morton has to come with a caveat, however. Given the logjam currently, within the Pirates rotation, GM Ben Cherington would have to sell high on either Luis Ortiz or Bailey Falter, in order to accommodate a spot for Morton. Getting back something of trade value for Ortiz or Falter would not only be beneficial to the farm system, but you would also likely move one at some point anyway, with Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington on the horizon.
If Pittsburgh were to follow thru on that scenario, then a Morton reunion makes sense for them.