Pittsburgh Pirates’ Quest for Redemption
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been in a playoff drought for nine long years, longing for a return to postseason glory. As the 2025 season looms, the team faces a pivotal moment where key decisions and performances could shape their destiny. Fastball staff writer Sam Connon delves into the heart of the Pirates’ spring training in Florida, dissecting the pressing questions that hover over the team midway through camp.
David Bednar: A Closer’s Redemption
David Bednar, once hailed as a premier closer in baseball, faced a tumultuous journey in the 2024 season. Despite crawling to 23 saves, his performance faltered, leading to a loss of the closer role by September. The Pirates’ bullpen suffered, ranking second-to-last in the NL with a lackluster 4.49 ERA. With the departure of Aroldis Chapman, the burden on Bednar’s shoulders intensifies as the team’s most seasoned high-leverage reliever.
The additions of free agents Caleb Ferguson and Tim Mayza provide support, but Bednar’s resurgence remains pivotal. His stellar performance between 2021 and 2023 showcased his potential, offering a glimmer of hope for the Pirates’ bullpen struggles. As Bednar strives to recapture his past glory, the team’s playoff aspirations hinge on his ability to anchor the relief corps.
The First Base Conundrum
The revolving door at first base continues for the Pirates, with uncertainty looming over the position for the 2025 season. A myriad of contenders, including Spencer Horwitz, Endy Rodríguez, Billy Cook, and Jared Triolo, vie for the coveted spot left vacant by departed players. Horwitz’s injury setback opens the door for others to stake their claim, with Triolo’s defensive prowess hinting at a potential frontrunner.
Amidst the competition, non-roster invite Darick Hall emerges as a wildcard, offering a traditional first baseman option. However, the lack of a clear standout underscores the Pirates’ dilemma at first base. The team’s hope rests on spring training trials to unearth a reliable starter before the regular season commences.
Youthful Arms, Bright Futures
The Pirates’ pitching rotation boasts a promising blend of talent, with rising stars poised to lead the team’s resurgence. Paul Skenes, fresh off an impressive rookie season, and Jared Jones, a standout performer in his debut year, headline the rotation’s youthful core. Bubba Chandler’s anticipated promotion adds another dynamic arm to the mix, signaling a bright future for Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.
However, injury concerns and lack of experience pose challenges for the young starters. Jones’s past injury woes and Chandler’s untested MLB waters raise questions about their durability and performance under pressure. Mitch Keller’s reliability offers a stabilizing force, emphasizing the need for consistency among the budding pitchers to propel the Pirates towards a winning season.
As the Pirates navigate the complexities of spring training, the path to playoff contention becomes clearer. With pivotal decisions on the horizon, the team’s fate hangs in the balance, awaiting the emergence of key figures to lead them to redemption. Stay tuned as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ quest for glory unfolds in the 2025 season.
