The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in a challenging position as the season progresses, languishing at the bottom of the standings and facing a confluence of issues that have left fans questioning the future. The organization has already made significant moves, including the dismissal of their manager, yet a major trade involving star pitcher Paul Skenes isn’t on the table. General Manager Ben Cherington was clear when asked about the possibility: “No, it’s not part of the conversation at all.”
Right now, the Pirates are trailing 11½ games behind playoff contenders, and their struggles at the plate have been particularly evident. As the team grapples with an offense that ranks at or near the bottom across various key statistics — runs, slugging percentage, and OPS — the recent loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, despite scoring five runs, is a testament to their ongoing struggles. This was the first time in 27 games they managed to score five runs, which highlights the frequency with which they’ve come up short, including a staggering 26-game streak of scoring four runs or fewer — a mark that ties for the longest such streak in major league history.
Pittsburgh had high hopes entering the season, thanks to a roster that included Skenes, who became the reigning National League Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut last year. Accompanied by key players like two-time All-Star Bryan Reynolds and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, the Pirates aimed to build on two consecutive 76-86 seasons. However, they seem stuck in reverse, struggling even in games started by Skenes. Despite his strong outings, including a complete game performance in which he yielded just three hits, the team has only managed a 3-5 record in his eight starts.
The Pirates have secured Skenes under team control through the end of the decade, which makes his presence even more vital for their future. With arbitration eligibility still a few seasons away, Pittsburgh holds a valuable asset that could prove advantageous if utilized properly. Yet, the lack of potent offensive threats around him is a pressing concern. While the starting rotation boasts decent ERAs, the overall record reflects a problem that runs deeper than the pitching staff.
In terms of future talent, Pittsburgh has a reputation for its frugal spending, with a season-starting payroll nearing $88 million. While the organization is known for developing pitching prospects, the dearth of position players ready to make an impact in the big leagues is stark. The Pirates are still waiting for development from former high draft picks like catcher Henry Davis and second baseman Nick Gonzales, who is currently recovering from an injury.
Cherington acknowledges the need for a shift, emphasizing that it’s not simply a matter of wishing for more runs; action is necessary. The focus remains on developing talent that can break into the major leagues and contribute meaningfully to the team. “We want guys from Triple-A to pound the door down,” he stated.
Despite the turmoil surrounding the franchise, there’s a glimmer of optimism within the organization. Cherington believes there’s still plenty of time to turn things around as the season stretches on. “We’ve just got to get better,” he remarked, indicating that the focus will be on playing better baseball in hopes of winning more games. It’s a long road ahead for the Pirates, but with key players like Skenes in the fold, the potential for a brighter future remains within reach.
