The 2024 season was a challenging one for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished last in the NL Central and were eliminated from postseason contention by mid-September. Despite the struggles, the emergence of Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft, offered a glimmer of hope. He made a significant impact, earning an All-Star selection shortly after his debut.
Additionally, rookie Jared Jones proved to be a bright spot before injuries interrupted his season. However, significant issues plagued the team's bullpen, with closer David Bednar's performance dropping dramatically. The team also saw disappointing seasons from players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Jack Suwinski, prompting questions about their futures.
This offseason presents a crucial opportunity for the Pirates to address their weaknesses and build for a competitive 2025. Their rotation, led by Skenes, Jones, and Mitch Keller, shows promise, but bolstering the bullpen and infield will be necessary. With a clear need for improvement, ownership must decide whether to invest in key free agents as part of their rebuilding efforts.
