A Decade of Transient Pirates: A Look Back at the Unpredictable Journey
The 2010s marked a vibrant era for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with renowned figures like Andrew McCutchen, Josh Harrison, and Gerrit Cole etching their legacies in the team’s history. Amid these stars, however, there existed a group of transient players—individuals whose stints with the team were fleeting yet left a lasting impression worth remembering.
Exploring the Short Stint Pirates of the 2010s
In defining a “Short Stint Pirate,” position players were required to have spent under two seasons with the team, while pitchers needed fewer than 40 appearances. Let’s delve into this diverse assembly of talent, ranking them from those who made the least impact to the surprisingly influential ones.
(The Misfire) Ryan Vogelsong: A Tale of Unmet Expectations
Ryan Vogelsong, once a beacon of hope for Pittsburgh, returned to the Pirates in 2016 as a seasoned veteran aiming to bolster the rotation. Despite his prior 103 appearances, Vogelsong’s comeback fell short, ending with a disappointing 3-7 record and a 4.81 ERA. Fans bid farewell to the two-time World Series champion with a tinge of disappointment, reminiscing about his past glory that failed to materialize in his final stint in the big leagues.
(The Disappointment) Justin Morneau: The Power Struggle
In a bid to end a longstanding postseason drought, the Pirates made a splash by acquiring former MVP Justin Morneau during the 2013 trade deadline. Though initial expectations soared after a strong August performance, Morneau’s tenure in black and gold lacked the expected spark. With zero home runs and only three RBI in 25 games, his underwhelming output left fans contemplating missed opportunities. Despite commendable on-base stats, Morneau’s absence of power left a void in the lineup during crucial moments.
(The Surprise Star) Edinson Vólquez: A Pitching Renaissance
Edinson Vólquez’s modest one-year deal with the Pirates in December 2013 raised few eyebrows, with little anticipation for his standout performance. However, Vólquez defied expectations, emerging as the pitching staff’s ace with a remarkable 3.04 ERA and an impressive 2.5 WAR in 2014. His unexpected success propelled the Pirates to another playoff appearance and earned him a lucrative contract with the Royals. Vólquez’s journey from an underdog to a star underscores the resilience and unpredictability inherent in baseball.
(The Game-Changer) J.A. Happ: A Season of Redemption
In a strategic move from the Mariners, J.A. Happ arrived in Pittsburgh with hopes of reigniting his faltering career. The left-hander exceeded all expectations, delivering an outstanding second half marked by a 1.85 ERA and a 211 ERA+. Instrumental in the Pirates’ 98-win season and subsequent postseason berth, Happ’s brief yet impactful 11-game tenure rejuvenated both his career and the team’s prospects, culminating in a lucrative deal with the Blue Jays.
(The Outfield Savior) Corey Dickerson: Filling Big Shoes
Following McCutchen’s emotional departure, the Pirates faced a void in their outfield lineup, which Corey Dickerson swiftly filled. While not a superstar, Dickerson became a beloved figure among fans. Acquired from the Rays, Dickerson shone in 2018, showcasing a stellar .300/.330/.474 slash line and securing a Gold Glove for his defensive prowess. In just 179 games over two seasons, he amassed 4.1 WAR, 17 home runs, and 80 RBI, proving pivotal during a transitional phase for the franchise.
In the intricate tapestry of the Pirates’ history in the 2010s, these transient players, though brief in their tenure, contributed moments of hope, disappointment, and unforeseen triumph. Each one added a unique layer to the enduring narrative of this cherished franchise.