The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the 2024 season with tempered expectations, knowing they were still in the midst of a rebuild. There were flashes of promise, especially from young pitchers and emerging hitters. However, the team finished fourth in the NL Central with a record of 74-88. They missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. The offense struggled with consistency. It ranked in the bottom third of the league in runs scored. Meanwhile, the pitching staff showed both potential and growing pains. Paul Skenes and Jared Jones made their debuts. Fans also saw continued development from players like Oneil Cruz, Joey Bart and Mitch Keller. These aspects gave fans a glimpse of a brighter future. The foundation was taking shape. The front office had a clear goal for the offseason. They aimed to supplement the young core with veteran talent. Their focus was also to improve roster depth and make a meaningful step forward in 2025.
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Key Offseason Acquisitions
- Tommy Pham – Outfielder On February 6, 2025, the Pirates signed veteran outfielder Tommy Pham. They offered him a one-year contract worth $4.025 million. At 36, Pham brings a wealth of experience, having played for multiple teams over nearly a decade. In the previous season, he posted a .248 batting average with nine home runs and 39 RBIs across 116 games. His career totals include a .258 average, 139 home runs, and 470 RBIs over 1,121 games. Pham is expected to bolster the Pirates’ outfield depth. His versatility and veteran presence provide leadership to a relatively young roster.
- Tim Mayza – LHP The Pirates added left-handed reliever Tim Mayza on February 3, 2025. Mayza’s addition aims to strengthen the bullpen, providing a reliable left-handed option for late-inning matchups. Last season was not one of his better seasons by any means. So the Pirates are banking on his return to the form he showed in 2022 and 2023. In those two seasons, he appeared in 132 games with a 11-2 record out of the bullpen. He had a 1.52 ERA in 2023 and a 3.14 back in 2022.
- Enmanuel Valdez – Infielder/Outfielder The Pirates made a trade with the Boston Red Sox on December 15, 2024. They acquired Enmanuel Valdez in exchange for minor-league pitcher Joe Vogatsky. Valdez, 25, demonstrated versatility last season by playing multiple positions, including second base, third base, and left field. He recorded a .214 batting average with six home runs and 28 RBIs over 76 games. His ability to fill various roles provides the Pirates with valuable depth across the diamond.
Non-Roster Invites and Minor League Signings
The Pirates extended non-roster invitations to several players for spring training, aiming to assess potential contributors for the 2025 season:
- Matt Gorski (CF)
- Sean Sullivan (RHP)
- Jack Brannigan (SS)
- Termarr Johnson (2B)
- Ryder Ryan (RHP)
- Ryan Borucki (LHP)
- Anthony Solometo (LHP)
- Omar Alfonzo (C)
- Bubba Chandler (RHP)
- Hunter Barco (LHP)
- Thomas Harrington (RHP)
- Konnor Griffin (SS)
These invitations indicate the organization’s commitment to fostering internal talent and providing opportunities for players to earn roster spots.
Spotlight on Emerging Pitchers: Paul Skenes and Jared Jones
The development of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones is pivotal for the Pirates’ aspirations in 2025.
- Paul Skenes (RHP): Paul Skenes was selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. He made a significant impact during his rookie season in 2024. He achieved an impressive 11-3 record with a stellar 1.96 ERA, amassing 170 strikeouts over 133 innings pitched. His outstanding performance earned him a third-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting. It underscores his immediate value to the Pirates’ rotation. Looking ahead to 2025, the Pirates plan to manage his workload carefully. They aim for approximately 150-160 innings to ensure his long-term health. This also seeks to maintain his sustained effectiveness on the mound.
- Jared Jones (RHP): In his rookie campaign of 2024, Jared Jones showed promising development. He concluded the season with a 6-8 record, a 4.14 ERA, and 132 strikeouts across 121.2 innings pitched. His performance attracted interest from other teams, highlighting his potential as a valuable asset within the Pirates’ pitching rotation. As the 2025 season approaches, the organization views Jones as a key contributor. His continued growth and consistency could solidify his role as a reliable starter. He must focus on refining his command. Enhancing his secondary pitches is crucial for his progression. These improvements are vital for the team’s overall success.
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Outlook for the 2025 Season
The Pirates’ offseason moves reflect a strategic approach to blend experienced veterans with emerging talent. The additions of Pham and Mayza address immediate needs. The development of Skenes and Jones offers hope for the future. If these players perform to their potential, the Pirates will see significant improvement and competitiveness in the upcoming season. The truth of the matter is with Skenes and Jones the Pirates rotation looks to be in good hands. This does not even include Mitch Keller who is the Veteran of the group. The exciting thing about this Pirates team is the future which Jones and Skenes are a big part of. It’s the likes of Bubba Chandler, Termarr Johnson and even Nick Yorke that should have fans excited. The Pirates have a talented young core. Oneil Cruz, Ke’bryan Hayes, Paul Skenes, and Jared Jones add to the excitement. Hopefully, Henry Davis will take a leap forward as well. This group has Pittsburgh fans hopeful of what’s to come.
