Pittsburgh Pirates CEO Travis Williams addressed fans' frustrations during the team's offseason fan fest, directly stating that owner Bob Nutting will not sell the team. During a Q&A session, fans chanted for Nutting to sell, expressing their disappointment with the team's performance. Williams reassured them that the organization is committed to winning, despite the Pirates finishing last in the National League Central for four of the past six seasons.

Despite a promising start last season, where the team was above .500 at the trade deadline, the Pirates had a disastrous finish. Williams emphasized the need to improve, acknowledging the frustration stemming from years of poor performance and the lack of playoff appearances since 2015.

The Detroit Tigers have seen an unexpected rise in star power with Tarik Skubal now firmly positioned as their ace heading into the 2024 season. After a promising but limited 2023 season where he made only 15 starts, Skubal excelled in 2024, achieving career-high statistics and leading the American League in ERA while topping all Major League Baseball pitchers in strikeouts.

His remarkable performance not only earned him the Cy Young award unanimously but also recognized him as the best pitcher in baseball according to a MLB Network survey. Skubal outperformed established stars like Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees, solidifying his place among the game's elite.

Corbin Burnes, a four-time All-Star and one of the premier starting pitchers in Major League Baseball, has signed a lucrative six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move marks Burnes' second consecutive offseason relocation, as he previously played for the Baltimore Orioles after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers. The contract includes an opt-out clause after two years, allowing Burnes flexibility in his career decisions.

During his time with the Orioles, Burnes proved to be an invaluable asset, ranking seventh in the American League with a 3.7 FanGraphs wins above replacement. He posted an impressive 2.92 ERA and recorded 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings across 32 starts, solidifying his reputation as a frontline starter. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star game for the fourth consecutive year, where he pitched opposite Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes.

Despite his accolades, there are concerns regarding Burnes' declining strikeout rates over the past four seasons, dropping from a career-high of 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 2020 to 8.4 last season. However, his overall metrics remain strong, as he ranked in the 80th percentile or better in several key pitching categories. At just 30 years old, Burnes is expected to continue performing at a high level, making him a significant addition to the Diamondbacks' rotation, which also includes Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, among others.

Andrew McCutchen has re-signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a one-year, $5 million contract, aiming to help the team return to contention. The 38-year-old outfielder, who transitioned to designated hitter, had a season with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs. McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and former MVP, expressed his desire to finish his career in Pittsburgh and believes the team has the potential to reach the playoffs again.

With a career total of 2,127 hits and over 300 home runs, McCutchen's performance is building a case for Hall of Fame consideration. He hopes to contribute to a young roster, including Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes, and is optimistic about the Pirates' future.

Andrew McCutchen is set to continue his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates after signing a one-year, $5 million contract. The five-time All-Star expressed his commitment to helping the team both on and off the field as they aim for a return to contention.

At 38, McCutchen aims to finish his career in Pittsburgh, where he has spent the majority of his time in the league. He has a notable career record, including over 2,127 hits and 300 home runs, and hopes to guide a young roster back to the playoffs.