The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to open their spring training schedule in Bradenton, Fla.
TribLive sports writer Kevin Gorman will be covering the team throughout the spring and season.
Analysis
• Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Pirates enter spring training with raised expectations, storylines
After starting the season with the best record in the National League through April and finishing the final two months with a winning record, the Pittsburgh Pirates will enter spring training with raised expectations.
• Analysis: Despite a disappointing offseason, the Pirates — fingers crossed — should be better
When the Pittsburgh Pirates completed a season that marked a 14-win jump, Ben Cherington acknowledged the importance of their improvement but stressed the need to keep getting better. The Pirates general manager knows a 76-win season and fourth-place finish in the National League Central isn’t satisfactory.
Position-by-position
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the players the Pirates have and what we can expect:
Pitchers
Awaiting arrival of Paul Skenes, starting rotation full of questions
The Pittsburgh Pirates already planned to prioritize starting pitching before workhorse Johan Oviedo required Tommy John surgery, and Ben Cherington vowed to add to the rotation through free agency and trades.
Catchers
Once a strength, Endy Rodriguez’s injury makes catcher a concern
When the 2023 season ended, general manager Ben Cherington called catcher a position that appeared to be a strength for the Pittsburgh Pirates, in terms of talent and depth.
1st base
Rowdy Tellez hoping to make ‘big impact’ in possible platoon at 1B
When the Pittsburgh Pirates were dissatisfied with their play at first base in 2022, they signed veteran Carlos Santana to a one-year contract worth $6.725 million to shore up the position last season.
2nd base
Starting job at second base could be biggest battle of spring training
Since Adam Frazier was traded amid an All-Star season in 2021, second base has been something of a misnomer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s more like a short stop.
Shortstop
Can Oneil Cruz’s return spell the end of revolving door at shortstop?
When Derek Shelton was asked at PiratesFest whether Oneil Cruz would be eased back into the starting lineup or serve as the everyday shortstop, the Pittsburgh Pirates manager gave a roundabout response.
3rd base
Third base in good hands with Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes
For as much as Derek Shelton values versatility, the Pittsburgh Pirates manager has made one thing abundantly clear: As long as Ke’Bryan Hayes is healthy, he will be starting at third base.
Outfielders
Spring training could see competition at center in a crowded outfield
The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised to begin spring training with six outfielders on their 40-man roster — along with several other possibilities — and two names already penciled into the starting lineup.
Biggest off-season additions
‘I’m excited to be on the Pittsburgh end now’: Ex-rival 1B Rowdy Tellez adds power to Pirates
“You guys don’t understand how frustrating it was playing the Pirates in the beginning of the year last year where we felt like we were the better team, but we could never close out the series and it was just a battle to the end,” Tellez said in December in a video conference call with Pittsburgh reporters. “I’m excited to be to be on the Pittsburgh end now, the team that battles and (ticks) people off.”
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Pirates sign 7-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman, DFA OF Canaan Smith-Njigba
Aroldis Chapman was willing to put the past behind him to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, even if it means that the seven-time All-Star reliever won’t be serving as their closer.
Last season?
‘I feel like this is my final stop’: Andrew McCutchen says he hopes to retire as a Pirate
Andrew McCutchen is vocal about his desire to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, so the decision to return for another season proved “fairly quick” and “pretty painless” for the five-time All-Star and fan favorite.
Pirates A to Z
• Despite a dominant season at Triple-A, Miguel Andujar likely the odd man out
• Ji Hwan Bae showed speed in stealing bases, making catches in center field
• David Bednar developed into ‘elite closer’, despite a month without a save
• Osvaldo Bido’s MLB debut was another success story for Dominican academy
• Lefty reliever Ryan Borucki went from expendable to dependable in short span
• JT Brubaker’s strong spring interrupted by Tommy John surgery, recovery
• On cusp of making the majors, Mike Burrows set back by Tommy John surgery
• Roansy Contreras lost spot in starting rotation, then struggled in minors
• Shortstop Oneil Cruz’s season shortened by surgery on fractured left ankle
• Henry Davis went from starting with disappointment to making MLB debut
• RHP Braxton Ashcraft overcame injuries to earn spot on 40-man roster
• Tsung-Che Cheng rose through prospect rankings, thanks to speed, defense
• Jason Delay won battle for backup catcher, showed value with his bat
• After being acquired from Phillies, Bailey Falter pitched in multiple roles
• Nick Gonzales flashed power, versatility, now must show consistency at plate
• Thomas Hatch welcomed new opportunity to pitch in different relief roles
• Rule 5 pick Jose Hernandez became valuable lefty reliever for bullpen
• Colin Holderman shined in setup role, including an immaculate inning
• Andre Jackson brought a free, easy approach as starter, bulk reliever
• Connor Joe quickly became a fan favorite but chased consistency
• After evolving into All-Star, staff ace, Mitch Keller seeking long-term contract
• Max Kranick’s road to recovery involved rehab stints at Bradenton, Indianapolis
• Carmen Mlodzinski turned move to bullpen into high-leverage role as rookie
• Bullpen banked on Dauri Moreta’s wrong-way slider to put out fires
• Shifting from starter to bullpen helped Kyle Nicolas find way to majors
• After inconsistent season, Luis Ortiz has opportunity to be starter next season
• Johan Oviedo was a workhorse but workload leads to Tommy John surgery
• OF Joshua Palacios brought energy, delivered homers in dramatic fashion
• Liover Peguero packs power but must show he can master the middle infield
• Quinn Priester made it to majors but must improve to earn spot in rotation
• Bryan Reynolds got long-term contract, off to strong start in streaky season
• A starter upon arrival, Endy Rodriguez emerged as catcher of the future
• After short stay last year, Ali Sanchez returns to add depth at catcher
• Colin Selby showed his stuff as rookie, with mixed results in relief role
• Canaan Smith-Njigba started Opening Day, but played only 15 MLB games
• Jack Suwinski showed power, ability to snap out of funks while shifting to CF
• Known for his great glove, Jared Triolo outperformed expectations at the plate
• Alika Williams showed smooth defense at shortstop but was a streaky hitter
• Acquired at trade deadline, LHP Jackson Wolf a top-10 prospect with potential