Is There Cause for Concern with Bubba Chandler?
p/c: Frank Bowen IV
During his tenure as Pittsburgh Pirates general manager, the one thing Ben Cherington has been able to hang his hat on is producing quality pitching talent.
Heading into last offseason, the starting pitching depth consisted of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, Johan Oviedo, and Mike Burrows, with the latter two being traded for bats; Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox to obtain Jhostynxon Garcia, and Burrows to the Houston Astros, as a three-way with the Tampa Bay Rays, for the Pirates to acquire Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum.
Midway through last year, Bubba Chandler became the #2 prospect in baseball, with only Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony being ranked higher.
On August 22nd, the Pirates called up Chandler, who debuted that night tossing four scoreless innings of relief versus the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park. Chandler made some history, as he became the first Pirates pitcher to record a save in his Major League debut.
Through his first seven starts of 2026, there’s been some definite growing pains with Chandler. He currently has a 4.76 ERA, along with a 1.50 WHIP, in large part to issuing the most walks in the National League with 26 (6.9 BB/9).
Chandler has relied on the fastball pretty heavily at 54.4%. His most used secondary pitch is the changeup at 19.9%, followed by his slider and sweeper at 13.7% and 9.2% respectively.
The biggest thing that sticks out to Chandler’s start of the season is the lack of swing and miss with all of his pitches.
Whiff rate
Changeup 29.3%
Slider 25.0%
Sweeper 25.0%
Fastball 22.7%
It’s still early May, so there’s obviously time for Chandler and first-year pitching coach Bill Murphy to get things right. Given how erratic the control numbers have been for the 23-year-old righty, there’s some cause for concern, but perhaps a mechanical adjustment can be made, to have Chandler throwing more strikes. The Pirates clearly aren’t asking for Chandler to be a pinpoint control artist, but improved command will certainly begin to increase the swing and miss of his overall repertoire.
Even with the early struggles of Chandler, the Pirates’ rotation has the fourth lowest ERA in MLB at 3.97. Realistically speaking, it’s not asking much for Chandler to be a mid-three’s ERA starter (3.40-3.70), in his first full season. Again, there has been growing pains for Chandler early on, but the stuff is too good for him just to be a replacement level pitcher.
Stuart Skinner Not Expected Back with Penguins
Veteran goaltender Stuart Skinner isn’t expected to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins next season, this according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Skinner was acquired by the Penguins on December 12th from the Edmonton Oilers, as the main return of the Tristan Jarry trade.
In 27 games with Pittsburgh, Skinner was 12-9-5, while recording a 2.99 goals against average.
After starting the first three games in net, for the first round of the playoffs, Skinner was replaced by Arturs Silovs. The decision from head coach Dan Muse came as a surprise, as Skinner hadn’t been that bad in goal, but Silovs did give the Penguins a better showing, especially in Game 6.
Skinner enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Given that the Pens are likely to have Silovs back in the fold, and top goalie prospect Sergei Murashov waiting in the wings, it’s not surprising that the team will look to move on from Skinner.
The 27-year-old netminder is expected to be one of the top goaltenders, in a watered down free agent market for goalies.
Nick Gonzales Looks to Have Found New Home at Third Base
Six years ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Nick Gonzales as the seventh overall pick in the MLB Draft. The former New Mexico State standout became the first draft selection by Ben Cherington as Pirates general manager.
Gonzales arrived to Pittsburgh during the 2023 season. He didn’t do much offensively; slashing .209/.268/.348 in 128 plate appearances.
The 2024 season was better for Gonzales. He hit .270, while posting a .709 OPS, which is about the league average OPS.
Gonzales entered 2025 as the Pirates second baseman. On Opening Day in Miami, he suffered a freak injury, when he fractured his left ankle, after leaving the batter’s box on a home run. The injury sidelined him for two months, before returning to the team on June 3rd.
Offensively, Gonzales couldn’t seem to get it going, with a slash line of .260/.299/.362, for a wRC+ of 82. The injury also seemed to have affected his defense at second base, as he registered -11 Defensive Runs Saved - the worst mark at the position last year.
This past offseason, the Pirates’ goal was to substantially improve the offense. One of those moves was acquiring Tampa Bay Rays All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe.
The addition of Lowe obviously wasn’t good news for Gonzales, but Ben Cherington included him as a candidate to be the club’s Opening Day shortstop, along with Jared Triolo and Konnor Griffin.
Because Griffin was optioned to AAA, it allowed Gonzales to be at shortstop and Triolo at third base.
On the day of Griffin’s call up to the bigs, for the Pirates home opener, Triolo sustained a right patellar tendon injury, while running the bases.
The Triolo injury has given Gonzales a chance to be an everyday starter again, this time at third base. Gonzales was recently on a 10-game hitting streak, the longest of his big league career, and is batting .444 over his last 14 games. Among qualified National League hitters, his .328 average is currently fifth highest; ninth best in all of MLB. Gonzales has also been tremendous so far with runners in scoring position, hitting .429 in those situations.
With the exception of two games in 2024 with Pittsburgh, and 19 in the minors, third base is still a relatively new position for Gonzales. To this point, he’s been holding his own at the hot corner, committing only one error in 39 chances.
The Pirates’ offense has averaged 5.14 runs per game, which is tied for sixth best in baseball. A rejuvenated Gonzales has helped add a boost, and provide more stability in the lineup. While it certainly took Gonzales some time to excel in the bigs, the former first rounder looks to finally be doing so.
One Burning Question for the Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason
The 2025-26 season for the Pittsburgh Penguins was widely expected to be a transitional period.
Before the season, Vegas odds had the Penguins with a projected over/under point total of 76.5, which was the lowest of any team in the Eastern Conference.
As it turned out, however, Pittsburgh was one of the biggest surprise stories in the league, finishing with 98 points, and clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2022.
Unfortunately, the fun ride ended in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the Penguins losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. A lackluster power play was the biggest culprit, for the series loss; going just 3-for-15 on the man advantage.
It was announced on Friday that Dan Muse was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award. The 43-year-old Muse became the youngest rookie head coach to guide the Pens to the playoffs.
Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager, Kyle Dubas, is a strong candidate for NHL Executive of the Year, and in my opinion, should be the favorite.
Dubas made a plethora of solid moves for this season, including a two-year deal for Parker Wotherspoon, signing Anthony Mantha on the cheap, drafting Ben Kindel, trading for Arturs Silovs, Egor Chinahkov and Elmer Söderblom, and perhaps his most shrewd move - acquiring Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers, while getting out of the Tristan Jarry contract.
As the Penguins get ready to prepare for the offseason, there is one burning question to ask. What will be their level of aggressiveness?
Despite a favorable cap last offseason, Dubas chose to make conservative moves, which certainly made sense, since Pittsburgh wasn’t suppose to compete. But given the unexpected playoff run, it could lead to a more active offseason, with plenty of cap space.
Because Silovs was in net, for the remainder of the playoffs, and how high they are on Sergei Murashov, it’s very likely the organization decides to let Skinner walk in free agency.
Of course the biggest item is in regards to Evgeni Malkin. The future Hall of Famer enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. While Malkin has expressed his desire to stay in Pittsburgh, he’s also been transparent about the opportunity to play elsewhere, if he’s not re-signed.
As it pertains to trades, will Dubas look to move some draft capital to add key veteran pieces, or does that involve players like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell being on the trade block, to obtain prospects and/or draft picks?
My gut feeling is that the Penguins choose to be semi-aggressive this offseason, but will that consist of mostly buying or selling?
Patriots Reportedly Eyeing Tomlin as Potential Replacement for Vrabel
According to a report from The Daily Mail, the New England Patriots are eyeing former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as their top coaching candidate, if Mike Vrabel were to resign.
Vrabel, who recently led New England to the Super Bowl, has been the talk of the football world this month, with stories of him having a rumored affair with former NFL insider, Dianna Russini.
Amidst the allegations, Russini recently resigned as NFL insider for The Athletic.
Despite attending the first two days of the draft, Vrabel did not attend Day 3 due to personal reasons, and wanted to seek counseling.
After 19 seasons coaching the Steelers, Tomlin has now joined NBC, where he will serve as a studio analyst for Football Night In America.
Because Tomlin stepped down from the organization, the Steelers still own his contractual rights.
Whether Vrabel ultimately decides to resign is anyone’s guess. Patriots owner Robert Kraft would no doubt want a “sexy” name as a backup plan to Vrabel, and Tomlin would certainly fit that category.
Should anything actually come to fruition, it’s very much conceivable that the Steelers would at least ask for a 2027 first round pick, in exchange for Tomlin’s services.
Assessing the Steelers Selection of Max Iheanachor
p/c: Chris Jones
The City of Pittsburgh was front and center for th 2026 NFL Draft. With the 21st overall pick, Pittsburgh selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor - the first draft choice in the Mike McCarthy Era of Steelers football.
The selection of Iheanachor marks the third time in four years that the Steelers have gone offensive tackle, with Broderick Jones being taken in 2023 and Troy Fautanu in 2024.
At 6’5, 321 pounds, Iheanachor is a native of Nigeria, who grew up playing soccer, but never football.
After playing at East Los Angeles College, Iheanachor transferred to Arizona State, where he became a starter in 2024. During the 2025 season, he was named second-team All-Big 12.
Iheanachor ran a 40 time of 4.91 at the NFL Combine. Entering the draft, most scouts rated him as either the sixth or seventh best offensive tackle.
Assessment of the pick: While there is potential to be had with Iheanachor, he’s considered a project, who may not be a starter right away.
Iheanachor played primarily right tackle in college, although he’s shown the versatility to play on either side.
Broderick Jones is currently dealing with a significant neck issue, and depending how high the Steelers are on Dylan Cook, perhaps Iheanachor could transition over to left tackle, when training camp begins. If he stays at right tackle, then there could be the possibility of Troy Fautanu moving to guard. Isaac Seumalo signed a three year, $31.5 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason, so it might lead to Fautanu becoming the Steelers new left guard.
The Iheanachor pick is a reach, in my opinion, as he was projected to go at the conclusion of the first round/early second round. However, I’m willing to reserve judgement for right now.
Was the Marcell Ozuna Signing a Mistake By Pirates?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Jonnu Smith Released By Steelers
p/c: Michael Owens
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Steelers acquired Smith last offseason, along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, from the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Smith got to reunite with Arthur Smith, who was his offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans and head coach with the Atlanta Falcons.
The 2025 season was a disaster for Smith in Pittsburgh. He played 17 games, but started only seven, and his 222 yards receiving was a career worst.
Releasing Smith saves the Steelers $7 million. Their current cap space is now $51,643,582.
Steelers to Release Calvin Anderson
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to make their first transaction of the offseason, as they plan to release offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, this according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
Anderson was signed by the Steelers in September of 2024, after being cut from the New England Patriots.
Pittsburgh re-signed Anderson last offseason to a two-year extension.
Anderson appeared in 13 games total with the Steelers; primarily as a swing tackle behind the likes of Dan Moore Jr, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Dylan Cook.
On December 10th, the Steelers placed Anderson on injured reserve, with a season-ending knee injury.
Anderson had a cap hit of $2.4 million for 2026. By releasing him, Pittsburgh will save $2 million. Given that Anderson is a reserve OT, it makes sense to address tackle depth in the draft for cheaper.
Pirates Must Set Precedent with Konnor Griffin Extension
p/c: Harrison Barden
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin Grapefruit League play next Saturday, as they take on the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota.
This offseason had the Pirates being more aggressive to improve the offense than usual, with the additions of Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna.
One of the most interesting, and quite frankly, most watched developments this spring will surround Konnor Griffin, and whether he will make the Opening Day roster.
Griffin took the baseball world by storm last year, in his first professional season, as he combined to slash .333/.415/.527 with the Bradenton Marauders, Greensboro Grasshoppers, and Altoona Curve. The 2024 first rounder hit 21 home runs, while stealing a whopping, 65 bases, which were the most by a Pirates minor league player since Omar Moreno in 1974.
Although Griffin’s offensive profile has been heavily praised, and deservedly so, his glove work at shortstop is just as impressive - being named a 2025 Gold Glove recipient among MiLB shortstops.
Griffin is now the #1 prospect in all of minor league baseball from every major baseball publication. There’s been plenty of talk among Pirates fans and media about the team locking up Griffin early.
Last August, a pair of top prospects were given long-term extensions by their respective clubs. The Baltimore Orioles signed Samuel Basallo to an eight-year deal for $67 million, while the Boston Red Sox inked Roman Anthony for eight years worth $130 million. Griffin is just as talented as both Basallo and Anthony, so there’s no reason why Griffin would be any different.
Even if Griffin doesn’t make the team out of spring training, and reports to AAA Indianapolis, he would still be called up at some point. As long as Griffin holds his own at the big league level as a rookie, then the Pirates need to sign him long-term by the end of the season, especially since Griffin isn’t a Scott Boras client.
If the Pirates are serious about building a better offense and making Griffin a franchise cornerstone for years to come, then they have to set a precedent, for what potentially could be superstar level talent at shortstop.
Steelers Round 1 Mock Draft Selection 1.0: Denzel Boston
p/c: Jordon Kelly
With two months away, the city of Pittsburgh will be hosting the NFL Draft for the first time ever.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have the 21st overall pick in the draft.
For my first mock draft selection in Round 1, I have the Steelers taking Denzel Boston - a wide receiver out of the University of Washington.
Boston got his chance to stand out as a sophomore in 2024, as he recorded 834 receiving yards, along with nine touchdowns.
This past season, Boston was productive again for the Huskies; registering 881 yards and 11 touchdown receptions, which were tied for ninth most in the nation. He also ran back a 78-yard punt return TD against UC Davis.
It was announced by Boston on Christmas Eve that he would be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Most early mock drafts have Boston projected mid-to-late first round.
Boston is a big target, at 6’4, 210 pounds. During his collegiate career, he was considered a major red zone threat, so it’s probably not a surprise that Boston’s best skill set is his ability to win jump balls and contested throws. Along with terrific, body control, Boston has good speed for his size. The one knock on Boston is not having that extra burst/acceleration, which may cause issues in trying to create separation from defenders.
Aside from DK Metcalf, the Steelers’ WR room certainly has more questions than answers. Boston’s upside potentially could help address some of those problems. Adam Henry, who was hired to Mike McCarthy’s staff as Pittsburgh’s new WR coach, has a lengthy track record. Henry played a role in the early development of Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, and CeeDee Lamb, so perhaps pairing Henry with Boston would be intriguing.
The Steelers hardly dabble for a receiver in Round 1, as the last WR they took in the first round was Santonio Holmes 20 years ago. Do they buck the trend for a big target like Boston?