2025 Pirates

Pirates 2025 Season Outlook
Coming after the Pirates first playoff appearance in 32 years, the Pittsburgh fans are cautiously optimistic after a slew of deals this offseason. The key to the season will be health. If the team can stay healthy, the team can certainly repeat as the NL Central champions this season. We will begin by taking a look at the projected lineup

C Jason Schexnayder- The injury riddled catcher for the Pirates has put together four consecutive seasons of 110+ games and the organization is hopeful that he continues to have decent health. He has a solid bat for the catcher position but his numbers have been somewhat underwhelming for a player that has an excellent eye and makes good contact. Schexnayder is in the last year of his current deal and hopefully that will lead to good motivation for his season.

1B Dominic Fulgham- He had a breakout season for the Pirates after being traded from Washington in the Don Pembroke deal. Fulgham had 22 homers with a .889 OPS in his first season with the team and there is certainly a feeling in the organization that he can have an all star or even MVP caliber season this year.

2B Shuja Nakamura- Nakamura was a major disappointment last season after struggling to begin the season. His defense after moving to second base was subpar and only started hitting well after the trading deadline. Scouts say he has truly a terrific bat and he needs to show this for an entire season this year for Pittsburgh.

3B Jamie Valdez- Valdez had an excellent comeback season in ’24 after an injured 2023 season. He put up 108 RBI’s and filled the role that the Pirates needs out of their number 5 hitter. The Pirates need more of the same this season in his contract year and that will determine his future with the team. Valdez has spent his entire career with the team and it would be sad to see him leave but he has to play well.

SS Vlad Castrejon- Vlad is as plug and play as any shortstop in the league. Vlad does have some injury concerns but he has consistently played 120 games every season and puts up solid at bats and plays gold glove defense. Vlad’s numbers are very consistent and there is an expectation that he will have another .380 OBP+ this season. It’s a crime that he has yet to win a gold glove yet, we chalk that up to playing in a small market.

LF Martin Greenawalt- Martin had a major role with Pittsburgh in his first season after being traded for Lon McClain. Martin showed flashes of power that the Pirates were searching for after swapping left fielders with Atlanta. Martin excels versus left handed pitching as does the entire Pirates lineup. Greenawalt is in the midst of an important stretch of his career that will determine his place in the majors. We consider him to be an above average option in the outfield.

CF Jamie Dowds- Jamie played a promising half of a season last year after his promotion to the big leagues and fans are optimistic that they will see more of the same. He needs to show improvement in the field but his bat is a huge asset at the top of the lineup. Expect outfielder Pablo Retoriano to platoon versus lefties on a regular basis this season.

RF Marc Graf- “The Communasty” continues to refine his game and showed a significant improvement in his second season with the Pirates. He is still very young and we look forward to him breaking the 100 RBI mark for the first time in his career. Graf is a major part of the Pirates success going forward.

Projected Bench
C Paul Foxx
IF Leon Hussey
IF Edgar Azebedo
3B Pat Goodwin
OF Max Shoulders
OF Pablo Retoriano

Pitching
SP Alfonso Predrasa- Expect more of the same from the All Star in the prime of his career.

SP Jim Cote- The big offseason addition for the Pirates this offseason in which the Pirates moved top Pitching prospect Levon Jackson among other prospects. Cote has had some sensational seasons in his young career for Florida. Pirates ownership feels that trading prospects for a 25 year old stud pitcher in his prime for some hit or miss prospects was a no-brainer. Cote will hopefully add much needed stability to the Pirates staff.

SP Tim Alderson- Alderson is proving to be possibly the most effective older pitcher in the league at 36 years old. He certainly has injury problems and struggles to stay on the mound but when he’s healthy is as good as any pitcher in the league.

SP Blake Beavan- The Beav is back for another run with Pittsburgh after a mid season trade last year involving New York and Tampa Bay. Beavan was hot and cold in his first season with the Pirates and the organization is hopeful that the stability of a fresh season will help him. Beavan also experiences injury problems and his success is dependent on his ability to stay on the mound.

SP Edgar Vaio- Vaio was acquired from the champion Diamondbacks this offseason for a pair of outfield prospects. Vaio is another injury risk for the Pirates but they organization is very confident in the amount of depth that has been compiled and are hopeful that they will be able to piece together a very good group in any scenario.

Bullpen
Closer- Rich Thompson
Setup- Dan Vanhouten
SR- Dexter Skovronski
SR- Frederic Abcejo
MR- Gordie Myers
6th Starter- RJ Seidel

Top Eight Prospects
1. 3B Rafael Baca- A defensive wiz with good offensive upside and a refined approach at the plate. He could be the man to succeed Jamie Valdez at third base for the future. The sky is the limit for this young player
(MLB Comparison- Evan Longoria)

2. CF Paul Miller- A 23 year old centerfielder that people in the organization say he could be major league ready now. He will start the year at AAA and will be a candidate for a mid season call up. He has a very refined bat and has drawn some comparisons to former Pirate Don Pembroke. A rangey fielder with solid speed and appears to an all around solid centerfielder. Miller could force the Pirates to consider opening a starting position in the outfield in the near future.
(MLB Comparison- Don Pembroke)

3. P Will Cordiron- He consistently has been dominant in the minor leagues and going into spring training trying to crack a spot in the bullpen. He doesn’t walk batters and has a couple of solid pitchers. He relies on his control and movement and could be a very nice pitcher for the Pirates for years to come.
(MLB Comparison- Zack Mark)

4. 3B Blake McGilvernock- Part of the trade that sent Don Pembroke to Washington, Blake has shown significant progress in the Pirates organization. Actually very similar to Rafael Baca and may serve as trade bait in the future.
(MLB Comparison- Travis Cottingham)

5. 2B Micah Izabel- Izabel struggled with the Pirates organization after being swapped for pitcher Sammy Navaf but scouts say he is an advanced talent for his age. He has plus contact for his age and is solid across the board. Izabel looks to get back on track this season, possibly in AA.

6. 1B. Brandon Zimmerman- 19 year old that was selected by the Pirates in the 2023 first round and is rated this low in the rankings because of how far from the majors he is. He has a good set of hitting skills for a 19 year old and needs a lot more time in the minors before he could crack the majors. He is an elite defender at first base now and will likely be one of the youngest players in AA this season.
(MLB Comparison- Angel Munoy)

7. RP Calogero Vaquerano- A 2nd rounder out of this past years draft; he is an unusual pickup for the Pirates and their general tendency. He gets by through his superb pitching power and blows his pitchers by batters. He throws two plus pitchers that have been described as special for his age. Needs to continue to work on his mechanics and control but could be a future closer of setup man in the major leagues. Scouts say he looked like a Mexican replica of James Threadgold on draft day.
(MLB Comparison- James Threadgold)

8. SP Brady Barnett- Barnett has no experience as a starting pitcher but the Pirates organization is adamant that he could make an excellent starting pitcher. He keeps the ball in the park and has good control and power. His journey to becoming a starting pitcher will be a long process but hopefully will pay dividends in the end.
(MLB Comparison-Pat Wright)