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.
Paul Skenes Named NL Cy Young Finalist
p/c: Gene J. Puskar
Rookie of the Year consideration isn’t the only thing Paul Skenes will be competing for, as the Pittsburgh Pirates ace was announced as a National League Cy Young finalist on Monday. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies are the other finalists.
Following his much anticipated arrival to the big leagues on May 11th, Skenes lived up to the hype that made him the #1 overall pick in 2023. The 22-year-old righty put up 1.96 ERA - the lowest from a Pirates rookie pitcher - with a minimum of 20 starts - in the modern era. He also compiled 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, while registering a WHIP of 0.95.
Skenes becomes the first rookie starter to be named a Cy Young finalist since the late José Fernandez in 2013 with the Miami Marlins.
No pitcher since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981 has captured both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors in the same year. Skenes will look to do so on November 18th.
What Is the Future of Jack Suwinski with Pirates?
p/c: Gregory Fisher - USA Today Sports
The 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates struggled immensely on offense. So much so that they struck out a club record 1,506 times. The handwriting on the wall was very visible for Andy Haines, who was fired as the hitting coach on September 30th.
But perhaps no other player personified the Pirates’ offensive struggles this year more than Jack Suwinski.
Following a good season at the plate, in 2023 with the Bucs, Suwinski displayed major regression in ‘24. In 277 plate appearances, he put up a slash line of only .182/.264/.324. Here is the offensive chart from Baseball Savant.
While the bat speed wasn’t an issue for Suwinski this season, he still had trouble barreling up balls consistently, and not being able to square them up. The hard-hit rate was also below average. Despite a good job of not chasing pitches, Suwinski’s Whiff and K rates were equally poor.
In addition to the offensive woes for Suwinski, the defense was a disaster, as he registered -15 Defensive Runs Saved in the outfield (-7 LF; -7 CF; -1 RF). According to The Fielding Bible, Suwinski’s DRS was the worst figure among all National League outfielders.
The Pirates demoted Suwinski for a second time to AAA Indianapolis on July 29th. While with the Indians, he slashed .239/.307/.444, in 202 plate appearances. He was not recalled to Pittsburgh in September, which evidently shows the lack of confidence management has in him.
So where exactly do the Pirates go from here with Suwinski?
Although Suwinski is a year removed from being a three-win player on offense (3.2 oWAR), and having a 113 OPS+, he severely regressed in ‘24. Not even to the level of subpar, but just downright awful.
Suwinski is still a pre-arbitration player this offseason, so while he remains an inexpensive, outfield option, the Pirates should look to upgrade that area, with right field remaining a question mark.
Because Suwinski has a minor league option left, it would make it an easier decision, for Ben Cherington to either sign or acquire a starting right fielder.
There appears to be a decent chance that Suwinski would begin next season at the AAA level. If so, then finding himself as a vital, fixture again in the Pirates’ outfield is going to be a difficult hill to climb.
How Much of an Impact Will Preston Smith Make on Steelers’ Defense?
While trading for Mike Williams helped the Pittsburgh Steelers address their most important need, it was another move that wound up becoming one of the biggest at the entire trade deadline, as the Black & Gold acquired outside linebacker Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. In return, the Packers received a seventh round draft pick for 2025.
Smith provides the Steelers with 10 seasons of experience, while recording 68.5 career sacks, which are 14th most among active NFL players. Prior to the trade, the last time the Steelers brought in a veteran edge rusher that compiled at least 60 sacks, before arriving to Pittsburgh, was Kevin Greene, who signed a free agent deal in 1993.
While TJ Watt is being his usual dominant self, and once again, in the conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Alex Highsmith has been playing well; albeit dealing with a groin injury earlier in the season. As for Nick Herbig, he’s been working his way back from a hamstring issue.
The Steelers had re-signed Markus Golden, in the early going of training camp, however, he chose to retire a week later. Jeremiah Moon has seen brief action on the edge, but is used most on special teams. Defensive lineman turned linebacker DeMarvin Leal sustained a neck injury in Week 5, and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. For GM Omar Khan, the time probably felt right, to make a big splash, for strong, edge rushing depth.
A few weeks before the deadline, Smith had reportedly requested a trade, this after not feeling comfortable in a 4-3 defense, which Green Bay had switched over to this season. In 9 games, he had recorded 2.5 sacks, while only getting 54% of the defensive snaps, so his reasoning appears valid.
Although Smith finds himself back in a 3-4 style of defense, his remaining contract doesn’t come cheap. Following this year, in which the Steelers will pay $2 million, he’s owed $12 million in 2025 and $12.6 million in 2026.
Talent-wise, Smith certainly has the ability to give the Steelers an even more powerful boost to the OLB group. How Mike Tomlin will handle the number of snaps on defense for Smith is key. During the 2021 season, the Steelers had Melvin Ingram as the third OLB option, but unhappiness, with how much Ingram was used, led to him wanting out of Pittsburgh, and being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. While Smith is saying all the right things since his arrival, time will tell how he’ll respond to certain amount of playing time.
Steelers Acquire Preston Smith from Packers
p/c: Gary McCullough
Following the trade of Mike Williams from the New York Jets, Omar Khan chose to address the defensive side of the ball as well by acquiring veteran edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh round draft pick, this according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith spent the four years of his NFL career with Washington, where he had 24.5 sacks.
In March of 2019, the Packers inked Smith to a four-year contract worth $52 million. He would re-sign with Green Bay in 2022, on a four-year extension for $52.5 million.
During his six seasons with the Packers, Smith compiled 44 sacks. In total, he’s got 68.5 career sacks, which are 14th most among current NFL players.
The Steelers will pay Smith $2 million, for the rest of this season, before he’s owed $12 million in 2025 and $12.6 million in 2026.
With an outside linebacking corps that was already strong, Pittsburgh undoubtedly has the best OLB group talent-wise - now with the acquisition of Smith.
Assessing the Mike Williams Trade to Steelers
p/c: Cooper Neill - Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to address a main need during Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Steelers are acquiring New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, in exchange for a 2025 fifth round draft pick. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Pittsburgh will take on the remainder of Williams’ salary, which is $627,500.
Ever since trading away Diontae Johnson last offseason, Steelers GM Omar Khan wasn’t able to find a true replacement for him. Names such as Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams had been the most talked about regarding the Steelers. Mike Williams was another name speculated upon in the summer, and rumors had popped back up in the more recent weeks that Pittsburgh had interest.
Williams, a former Round 1 selection in 2017, had spent the first seven years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, which included a pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
After suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 last year, Williams was released by the Chargers in March, and signed a one-year deal with the Jets, in short order.
In the nine games that Williams played for the Jets, he had only 12 receptions for 166 yards, while getting 53% of the offensive snaps.
Assessment: For the Steelers, the an acquisition of Williams represents a low risk/high reward opportunity. While giving up a fifth round pick seems like a bit of an overpay, the market for receivers was soft, so the Jets were able to have themselves some trade leverage.
Coming off a torn ACL in 2023, it’s probably not realistic to expect Williams to be a Pro Bowl caliber WR again, but if he’s able to perform at half that level in Pittsburgh, it would make him a nice, buy-low addition to the receiving corps.
Could Joey Bart Become Pirates’ Long-Term Answer At Catcher?
p/c: Orlando Ramirez - Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ catching situation didn’t go exactly to plan entering this year.
Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis were expected to battle for the starting job behind the plate. However, Rodriguez injured his elbow during winter ball, and had to undergo surgery.
In February, the Pirates brought in veteran backstop Yasmani Grandal, on a one-year deal, to compete with Davis.
Early on in spring training, Grandal dealt with plantar fasciitis, which caused him to miss the rest of spring. This meant that Davis would begin 2024 as the Pirates starting catcher.
Looking to add more catching depth, GM Ben Cherington acquired Joey Bart from the San Francisco Giants, in exchange for pitcher Austin Strickland.
Once regarded as the top catching prospect in all of baseball, Bart struggled offensively with the Giants, and things just weren’t clicking for him. Given Bart’s former prospect pedigree, as well as the Pirates needing more depth at the position, a change of scenery appeared ideal.
The result was Bart becoming arguably Pittsburgh’s most surprising hitter. In 282 plate appearances, he slashed .265/.337/.462, while posting an OPS+ of 120. Overall, Bart was a two-win player (2.2 WAR).
During the second half of the season, manager Derek Shelton had been penciling in Bart as the regular backstop, and using Grandal mostly as a personal catcher for Paul Skenes.
As Bart projects to open the 2025 season as the team’s starting catcher, is he the long-term solution?
Bart enters this offseason being arbitration eligible for the first time. $1.8 million is the projected figure put out by MLB Trade Rumors. Based on Bart’s offensive value alone this year, that money would be a real bargain.
Honestly, you wonder how committed the Pirates are with Henry Davis as a catcher. He handled the role fine, when given a chance, but it’s not being able to hit big league pitching that’s been haunting the former #1 overall pick. Endy Rodriguez should return next year fully healthy. Although Rodriguez would be Pittsburgh’s best choice defensively, he, like Davis, has to show he’s capable of hitting at the MLB level. Unless Bart regresses with the bat, and/or the other two break through offensively, then there’s no reason why the Pirates should move off Bart as the club’s #1 catcher.
Brandin Cummings Shines In Pitt Hoops Debut
On Monday, Pitt men’s basketball opened up the 2024-25 season, and did so in absolute dominant fashion, as they routed the Radford Highlanders by a final of 96-56.All five Panthers starters finished with double-digit points, including Jaland Lowe, who put up a career best 21.
Freshman Brandin Cummings also had double figures, in his collegiate debut, as he scored 11 points off Pitt’s bench. He went 4-7 from the floor (57.1%), while recording three assists, one steal, and one block.
Cummings is the younger brother of former Pitt point guard Nelly Cummings. Nelly played a key role during the Panthers’ NCAA Tournament season in 2022-23. Meanwhile, Brandin arrived to the University of Pittsburgh as a four-star recruit, according to Rivals.
Pitt’s next game is Friday night versus Murray State at The Petersen Events Center. Tip-off is for 7:00 ET.
Pirates Decline Marco Gonzales’ Club Option
The Pittsburgh Pirates are declining the 2025 club option of LHP Marco Gonzales. The option was for $15 million, with no buyout.
Gonzales was added to Pittsburgh’s rotation last offseason, in a trade from the Atlanta Braves. Originally, the veteran southpaw had been acquired from the Seattle Mariners, as part of the Jarred Kelenic deal. Out of the $12,250,000 Gonzales was owed in 2024, the Pirates were only on the hook for $2,750,000 of it.
It was a struggle for Gonzales to stay healthy this year, as he dealt with a forearm strain. In seven starts with the Bucs, he posted a 4.54 ERA.
On August 28th, Gonzales underwent flexor tendon surgery, to repair the issue.
The decision to decline Gonzales’ team option is the easiest the Pirates will make this offseason. Obviously, they’re not going to pay an injury-plagued pitcher that kind of guaranteed money for 2025, but also, the rotation depth internally has improved.
Five Steelers Who Have Been Pleasant Surprises This Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their bye week sitting atop the AFC North Division with a record of 6-2.
As we’re at the midway point of the season, the defense is performing as expected, while the offense is starting to click, since Russell Wilson took over the reins as Steelers quarterback. Then there are players who have become surprising contributors for the team, which I will examine five of them.
Beanie Bishop Jr.
Rarely does an undrafted rookie play a vital role in his first NFL season, but that’s where Beanie Bishop Jr. finds himself, within the Steelers’ secondary, as a slot cornerback.
After trying to find his footing, Bishop had a memorable performance versus the New York Jets in Week 7, as he picked off Aaron Rodgers twice.
During Pittsburgh’s Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants, the 24-year-old Bishop came up big again by intercepting a pass from Daniel Jones, to seal a 26-18 win.
Bishop is the first Steelers UDFA rookie to record three interceptions in a season since Tony Dungy in 1977.
Corliss Waitman
After cutting ties with Pressley Harvin III in the offseason, the Steelers went out of their way to improve the punting game, as they signed veteran Aussie Cameron Johnston to a three-year deal worth $9 million.
Johnston unfortunately would suffer a season-ending, knee injury, in the Steelers’ season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Pittsburgh would replace Johnston with a familiar name - signing Corliss Waitman. During the 2021 season, Waitman appeared in two games.
The Steelers could not have asked for me from Waitman to this point in the season, as he’s averaging 46.8 yards per punt. He also has 14 punts inside the 20, which are tied for 10th most in the league.
Dan Moore Jr.
Before the season began, much was made about who should the Steelers’ starting left tackle be between Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones.
Most viewed Jones as the choice - being a former first rounder and LT as a his natural position. Meanwhile, Moore had been inconsistent in that spot the last couple seasons.
So far this year, Moore is beginning to prove doubters wrong, as he’s done an outstanding job on the left side of the line, while playing as Pittsburgh’s best offensive lineman. Through eight games, he’s allowed just two sacks. Moore has also been a reason why Najee Harris in particular is running the ball much better in recent weeks.
DeShon Elliott
Looking to address safety help in the offseason, the Steelers inked former Baltimore Ravens safety DeShon Elliott. The deal was for two years at $6 million.
Elliott has been a terrific, strong safety during his first season with the Black & Gold. In the 28 times he’s been targeted, Elliott has posted a respectable, 88.7 passer rating against.
It didn’t take Elliott long to make his presence felt with the Steelers, as he registered his first INT in Week 1. He also had a solid, showing in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he compiled a season-high 12 tackles, and had a forced fumble.
Donte Jackson
A buy-low trade was made last offseason between teams, as the Steelers swapped WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for CB Donte Jackson.
Jackson struggled in 2023 with Carolina - recording no INTs and having a passer rating against of 107.7 - a career worst.
This year, Jackson is a lockdown, outside CB, as he’s posting a stellar, 42.4 passer rating against, in the 41 times he’s been targeted.
Through his first eight games of 2024, Jackson leads the Steelers with six pass deflections, while his three interceptions are tied with Beanie Bishop for the team lead.
Will Pirates Cut Ties with Bryan De La Cruz This Offseason?
p/c: Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports
For the first time since 2018, the Pittsburgh Pirates were buyers at the trade deadline. Three players were obtained by the Bucs, in Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, Jalen Beeks, and Bryan De La Cruz.
With De La Cruz in particular, the Pirates were looking to upgrade right field. Pittsburgh moved INF Garret Forrester, along with RHP Jun-Seok Shim, to the Miami Marlins, in order to acquire De La Cruz.
At the time of the trade, De La Cruz hit 18 home runs, while slashing .245/.289/.417, in 454 plate appearances.
Once De La Cruz joined the Pirates, the offensive numbers got worse, as he slashed only .200/.220/.294. In 168 plate appearances, he posted a high strikeout rate of 31%, and had a meager, walk rate of 2.4%.
De La Cruz wasn’t any better defensively; registering -3 Defensive Runs Saved as a right fielder.
Among players traded for at this year’s deadline, De La Cruz overall was the worst, with a -1.2 WAR.
The Pirates will need to make a decision on De La Cruz this offseason, as he will be first time arbitration eligible. He’s projected to earn $4 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Although De La Cruz combined for a career-high 21 homers in 2024, the other figures just don’t hold up. He doesn’t get on base, especially in the walk department, and he strikes out a ton. De La Cruz registered a .289 BABIP - not an extreme case of being unlucky. As a matter of fact, his BABIP in 2023 was at .307, so he actually had better luck, despite an oWAR of 0.5 with the Marlins.
Even a platoon role from the right side may not work for De La Cruz, as he put up a .733 OPS this season against lefty pitching, which isn’t a strong, figure.
From the Marlins’ perspective of the trade, Garret Forrester profiles more as a utility infielder. As for Jun-Seok Shim, he has tremendous, upside on the mound, but is already dealing with injuries, and is years away from reaching the big leagues, so Ben Cherington not giving up a huge package for De La Cruz would seem like an easier pill to swallow, in regards to non-tendering him.
Personally, I feel like the Pirates should move on from De La Cruz in the offseason. He’s not a consistent enough power hitter, and his defense is simply poor. The saved money can certainly go towards addressing a better yet reasonably priced outfielder in free agency.