2025 YANKEES OFFSEASON PLAN

Pittsburgh Pirates Offseason Plan for the 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Pirates, once again, have a golden opportunity to compete for a playoff spot in the next few years. The Milwaukee Brewers are an impressive team, but it feels like the NL Central is a somewhat open division. If the Pirates Ownership decides to spend a bit more on team payroll in 2026, the Pirates can absolutely compete for a playoff spot as they build around their ace Paul Skenes. The Pirates' payroll hovered around $100M from 2013-15, so a budget of $125M for this plan seems reasonable over 10 years later. Below is what the offseason would look like if I was the GM of the Pittsburgh Pirates with that $125M player payroll.

Coaching Staff Changes

+Manager Don Kelly is retained

Don Kelly went 59-65 in 2025 after Derek Shelton was fired. There seemed to be a shift in attitude with the players, so he should be brought back to lead the club in 2026. Further adjustments to his coaching staff need to be made.

+Ron Washington hired as Bench Coach

Ron Washington has an incredible amount of experience in numerous positions in Major League Baseball. His managerial days are probably over, and his new responsibility will be helping the Pirates team defense. He will fit well with a relatively young Pirates coaching staff.

-Hitting Coach Matt Hague is fired

The Pirates hit .231 as a team, which was 28th in the Majors, and last in the NL. They were last on the Majors in HRs by a wide margin. To be fair, Hague was not given much to work with, but a new voice is needed to lead the Pirates' offense.

+Hitting Coach Sean Casey is hired

Sean Casey's philosophy matches up perfectly with what the Pirates need, which is a coach who preaches using the entire field and shortening up and putting the ball in play with two strikes. The Pirates must increase their Batting Average and OBP in 2026. Casey is also a former Pirate and from Pittsburgh, so he is a natural fit for the Pirates hitting coach position.

+Pitching Coach Oscar Marin is retained

The Pirates Team ERA in 2025 was 3.76, which ranked 7th in all of baseball. Marin should be retained to help this young Bucs staff build on a great 2025.

+Jake Peavy hired as Assistant Pitching Coach

When Peavy pitched from 2002 to 2016, he relied on 5 main pitches (Cutter, 4-Seam Fastball, Sinker, Curveball, and Slider) so that should help with potentially adding a pitch to the repertoires of the Pirates' pitchers. Peavy has been an analyst with MLB Network, so he has stayed involved with the game after his retirement.

-First Base Coach Tarrik Brock is fired

Brock has done nothing wrong, but hiring Michael Young (below) would bring more value to the coaching staff.

+Michael Young hired as First Base Coach & Assistant Hitting Coach

Michael Young was a career .300 hitter playing for the Texas Rangers for most of his career and had the hitting approach similar to what Sean Casey preaches now, making him a good fit to add onto the staff.

-Third Base Coach Mike Rabelo is fired

Like Brock, Mike Rabelo has done nothing wrong, but the Pirates' offense has a better chance to be more well-rounded with the hire of Napoli (below).

+Mike Napoli hired as Third Base Coach

 Napoli was the first base coach for the Cubs in 2024. He is a good fit for the Pirates because he will give a power hitting perspective to go along with Casey and Young.

2026 Coaching Staff

Manager: Don Kelly

Bench Coach: Ron Washington

Hitting Coach: Sean Casey

Pitching Coach: Oscar Marin

Assistant Pitching Coach: Jake Peavy

Assistant Hitting Coach + 1st Base Coach: Michael Young

3rd Base Coach: Mike Napoli

Players to Non-Tender/DFA/Let Walk/Trade for Cash/Trade for Prospect

LF Tommy Pham (FA)

OF Jack Suwinski (Trade)

RP Colin Holderman (Trade)

RP Dauri Moreta (Trade)

Players with Contracts to pencil in on Opening Day 40-Man Roster

RF Bryan Reynolds ($14.25M salary)

CF Oneil Cruz ($3.5M projected salary

RP Carmen Mlodzinski (780K salary)

SP Jared Jones ($780K salary)

C Henry Davis ($780K salary)

SP Braxton Ashcraft ($780K salary)

SP Paul Skenes ($780K salary)

SP Bubba Chandler ($780K salary)

UTL Jared Triolo ($780K salary)

SP Johan Oviedo ($2M projected salary)

RP Isaac Mattson ($780K salary)

RP Mike Burrows ($780K salary)

    Burrows will b eklong guy, thats why he is RP

Free Agent Signings and Extensions

OF Andrew McCutchen resigned to 1 year/$3M contract.

C JT Realmuto signed to 1 year/$15M contract.

1B Paul Goldschmidt signed to 1 year/$10M contract.

2B Jorge Polanco signed to 3 year/$45M contract.

Trades to Make

C Joey Bart, RP Dennis Santana, 2B Termarr Johnson (PIT #6 Prospect), SS Sammy Stafura (PIT #7 Prospect), RHP Thomas Harrington (PIT #9 Prospect), 2B Nick Yorke (PIT #11 Prospect), and SS Jack Brannigan (PIT #21 Prospect) traded to the Cleveland Guardians for LF Steven Kwan and RP Hunter Gaddis, and Kwan is given a 4 year/$50M contract.

2B Nick Gonzales, C Endy Rodriguez, LHP Hunter Barco (PIT #4 Prospect), OF Edward Florentino (PIT #5 Prospect), SS Wyatt Sanford (PIT #10 Prospect), RHP Zander Mueth (PIT #13 Prospect) and 3B Yordany De Los Santos (PIT #14 Prospect) traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2B Ketel Marte. Ketel Marte will be the Opening Day Shortstop.

SP Mitch Keller, RP Justin Lawrence, 2B Liover Peguero, RP Chase Shugart, RHP Levi Sterling (PIT #12 Prospect), 1B Esmerlyn Valdez (PIT #15 Prospect), and PIT Competitive Balance Round A Pick traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for 3B Alec Bohm, RP Jose Alvarado, RP Orion Kerkering, SP Taijuan Walker (66.67% of $18M Retained by Philadelphia), and DH Nick Castellanos (65% of $20M Retained by Philadelphia). 3B Alec Bohm is signed to 3 year/$37.5M contract. RP Jose Alvarado has his $9M Team Option picked and is given an extension making the total $25.5M over 3 years (2026: $9M, 2027: $8.25M, 2028: $8.25M).

SP Taijuan Walker and OF Billy Cook traded to the Boston Red Sox for RHP Yordanny Monegro (BOS #27 Prospect).

RP Kyle Nicolas, 3B Jhonny Severino (PIT #22 Prospect), 3B Murf Gray (PIT#23 Prospect) traded to the Detroit Tigers for RP Tyler Holton.

Pirates New Top 10 Prospects After Trades

Summary of Moves

Rule 5 Eligible Players/Other Internal Players to Add to 40-Man Roster

Opening Day 40-Man Roster

26 Man Opening Day Roster + Salaries (in millions)

Opening Day Lineup

Playoff Game 1 Lineup

2025-26 MLB Free Agent Predictions

 UPDATE AS OFFSEASON GOES ON:

• Correct Team prediction will be highlighted in Green, Incorrect Team prediction will be highlighted in Red.
• +/- 1 year of actual length of contract will be highlighted in Green. +/- of 2 or more years of actual length will be highlighted in Red.
• Club/Vesting Options will not be included in my predicted contract length.
• Player Options will be included in my predicted contract length.
• +/- $5M or less in Average Annual Value will be highlighted in Green. +/- $5.01M or more will be highlighted in Red.
• The Buyout amount for Team Options will be included in the Average Annual Value. I will be using the Luxury Tax salary.

Projected Available Free Agents (after Club Options/Player Options/Mutual Options)

Top 25

1. Kyle Tucker, RF, Chicago Cubs

Prediction: New York Yankees, 8 years/$300M

Actual: N/A

2. Bo Bichette, 2B/SS, Toronto Blue Jays

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 7 years/$196M

Actual: N/A

3. Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: Detroit Tigers, 4 years/$140M

Actual: N/A

4. Edwin Diaz, RP (R), New York Mets

Prediction: Chicago Cubs, 4 years/$76M

Actual: N/A

5. Robert Suarez, RP (R), San Diego Padres

Prediction: New York Yankees, 2 years/$40M

Actual: N/A

6. Framber Valdez, SP (L), Houston Astros

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 4 years/$120M

Actual: N/A

7. Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, New York Yankees

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 5 years/$130M

Actual: N/A

8. Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 3 years/$100M

Actual: N/A

9. Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Mets, 3 years/$105M

Actual: N/A

10. Michael King, SP (R), San Diego Padres

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels, 5 years/$120M

Actual: N/A

11. Dylan Cease, SP (R), San Diego Padres

Prediction: Chicago Cubs, 6 years/$168M

Actual: N/A

12. Josh Naylor, 1B, Seattle Mariners

Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 4 years/$72M

Actual: N/A

13. JT Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Texas Rangers, 2 years/$34M

Actual: N/A

14. Gleyber Torres, 2B, Detroit Tigers

Prediction: San Diego Padres, 2 years/$40M

Actual: N/A

15. Munetaka Murakami, 3B

Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 5 years/$100M

Actual: N/A

16. Ranger Suarez, SP (L), Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 4 years/$100M

Actual: N/A

17. Luis Arraez, 1B, San Diego Padres

Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates, 2 years/$34M

Actual: N/A

18. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, New York Yankees

Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks, 1 year/$12.5M

Actual: N/A

19. Jorge Polanco, 2B, Seattle Mariners

Prediction: Kansas City Royals, 2 years/$35M

Actual: N/A

20. Shoto Imanaga, SP (L), Chicago Cubs

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 3 years/$60M

Actual: N/A

21. Trent Grisham, CF, New York Yankees

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$18M

Actual: N/A

22. Devin Williams, RP (R), New York Yankees

Prediction: New York Mets, 1 year/$15M

Actual: N/A

23. Ryan Helsley, RP (R)

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$14M

Actual: N/A

24. Raisel Iglesias, RP (R), Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$12.5M

Actual: N/A

25. Harrison Bader, CF, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays, 1 year/$14M

Actual: N/A

2025 MLB Award Predictions

Below is what I believe the 2025 MLB Awards should look like. This is not a prediction, and instead this is what I think should happen.

All MLB First Team

C: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

1B: Nick Kurtz, A's

2B: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

3B: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

SS: Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks
OF: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

OF: Juan Soto, New York Mets

OF: Kyle Stowers, Miami Marlins

DH: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

SP: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

SP: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

SP: Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox

SP: Christopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies

SP: Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

RP: Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox

RP: Edwin Diaz, New York Mets

All MLB Second Team

C: Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

2B: Jazz Chisholm, New York Yankees

3B: Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays

SS: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

OF: Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
OF: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins

OF: Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees

DH: George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays

SP: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

SP: Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers

SP: Max Fried, New York Yankees

SP: Nick Pivetta, San Diego Padres

SP: Bryan Woo, Seattle Mariners

RP: Abner Uribe, Milwaukee Brewers

RP: Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners

Manager of the year Ballet

AL:

1st: John Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays

2nd: Dan Wilson, Seattle Mariners

3rd: Steven Vogt, Cleveland Guardians

4th: Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox

5th: Aaron Boone, New York Yankees

NL:

1st: Pat Murphy, Milwaukee Brewers

2nd: Terry Francona, Cincinnati Reds

3rd: Rob Thompson, Philadelphia Phillies

4th: Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers

5th: Mike Shildt, San Diego Padres

Rookie of the Year Ballet

AL:

1st: Nick Kurtz, A's

2nd: Jacob Wilson, A's

3rd: Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox

4th: Noah Cameron, Kansas City Royals

5th: Carlos Narvaez, Boston Red Sox

NL: 

1st: Cade Horton, Chicago Cubs

2nd: Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves

3rd: Chad Patrick, Milwaukee Brewers

4th: Isaac Collins, Milwaukee Brewers

5th: Caleb Durbin, Milwaukee Brewers

Cy Young Ballet

AL: 

1st: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

2nd: Garret Crochet, Boston Red Sox

3rd: Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

4th: Max Fried, New York Yankees

5th: Bryan Woo, Seattle Mariners

NL: 

1st: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

2nd: Christopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies

3rd: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

4th: Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers

5th: Nick Pivetta, San Diego Padres

MVP Ballet

AL: 

1st: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

2nd: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

3rd: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

4th: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

5th: Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox

NL: 

1st: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

2nd: Juan Soto, New York Mets

3rd: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

4th: Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks

5th: Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies

2025 MLB Playoffs Predictions

 

Below are my predictions for the 2025 MLB Postseason

Wild Card

NL

(3) Los Angeles Dodgers over (6) Cincinnati Reds in 2 games

(5) San Diego Padres over (4) Chicago Cubs in 3 games

AL

(6) Detroit Tigers over (3) Cleveland Guardians in 3 games

(4) New York Yankees over (5) Boston Red Sox in 3 games

Division Series

NL

(3) Los Angeles Dodgers over (2) Philadelphia Phillies in 5 games

(5) San Diego Padres over (1) Milwaukee Brewers in 5 games

AL

(3) Seattle Mariners over (6) Detroit Tigers in 4 games

(4) New York Yankees over (1) Toronto Blue Jays in 5 games

Championship Series

NL

(3) Los Angeles Dodgers over (5) San Diego Padres in 7 games

AL

(2) Seattle Mariners over (4) New York Yankees in 6 games

World Series

(2) Seattle Mariners over (3) Los Angeles Dodgers in 6 games

World Series MVP: Julio Rodriguez

2025 MLB Mock Draft

1. Washington Nationals: Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona (CA) (Hernandez's Actual Draft Spot: 6th to Pittsburgh)

2. Los Angeles Angels: Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU (3rd to Seattle)

3. Seattle Mariners: Ethan Holliday, 3B, Stillwater (OK) (4th to Colorado)

4. Colorado Rockies: JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis (MS) (8th to Toronto)

5. St. Louis Cardinals: Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State (11th to A's)

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK) (1st to Washington)

7. Miami Marlins: Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee (5th to St. Louis)

8. Toronto Blue Jays: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Sunset (OR) (25th to San Diego)

9. Cincinnati Reds: Ike Irish, OF, Auburn (19th to Baltimore)

10. Chicago White Sox: Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek (GA) (14th to Tampa Bay)

11. A's: Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma (15th to Boston)

12. Texas Rangers: Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson (TX) (18th to Arizona)

13. San Francisco Giants: Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona (42nd to Tampa Bay)

14. Tampa Bay Rays: Billy Carlson, SS, Corona (CA) (10th to Chicago White Sox)

15. Boston Red Sox: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State (7th to Miami)

16. Minnesota Twins: Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville (AL) (9th to Cincinnati)

17. Chicago Cubs: Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara (2nd to Los Angeles Angels)

18. Arizona Diamondbacks: Gavin Kilen, 2B, Tennessee (13th to San Francisco)

19. Baltimore Orioles: Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M (27th to Cleveland)

20. Milwaukee Brewers: Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon (WA) (21st to Houston)

21. Houston Astros: Gage Wood, RHP, Arkansas (26th to Philadelphia)

22. Atlanta Braves: Slater de Brun, OF, Summit (OR) (37th to Baltimore)

23. Kansas City Royals: Josh Hammond, 3B, Wesleyan Christian (NC) (28th to Kansas City)

24. Detroit Tigers: Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas (31st to Baltimore)

25. San Diego Padres: Sean Gamble, 2B, IMG Acadamy (FL) (23rd to Kansas City)

26. Philadelphia Phillies: Ethan Conrad, OF, Wake Forest (17th to Chicago Cubs)

27. Cleveland Guardians: Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest (16th to Minnesota)

How Would a 30-Team Triple Elimination Tournament in the MLB Play Out?

 

Although this would likely never happen, it would be awesome to witness a 30-Team Triple Elimination Tournament in Major League Baseball. I took a shot at predicting how the results might look in this hypothetical scenario.

Rules:

The tournament will have two sides of the bracket: a 15 Team Triple Elimination Tournament for the American League, and a 15 Team Triple Elimination Tournament for the National League.

The ballparks that will host the American League Side will be Citi Filed in Flushing, Yankee Stadium in Bronx, and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The ballparks that will host the National League side will be Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Angel Stadium in Anaheim, and Petco Park in San Diego.

The American League Side of the Bracket will have all games begin on Friday, May 29 while the National League will begin play on Saturday, May 30. The winners of the American League and National League Brackets will meet in a best-of 3 championship.

Real time injuries matter. For example, Michael King was placed on the 15-day IL on May 25 (Retroactive to May 22) so he won't be eligible to pitch in this tournament until June 6. 

The Seeding was based on MLB.com's Power Rankings as of May 19. Since there has been an unbalanced schedule played so far this year, ranking the teams similar to how college football does it would be the fairest way to seed the teams. Teams that are listed on the top of each matchup will be the designated home team.

American League:

1. Detroit Tigers

2. New York Yankees

3. Minnesota Twins

4. Seattle Mariners

5. Cleveland Guardians

6. Texas Rangers

7. Kansas City Royals

8. Houston Astros

9. Boston Red Sox

10. A's

11. Toronto Blue Jays

12. Tampa Bay Rays

13. Los Angeles Angels

14. Baltimore Orioles

15. Chicago White Sox

National League:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. New York Mets

3. San Diego Padres

4. Philadelphia Phillies

5. Chicago Cubs

6. San Francisco Giants

7. St. Louis Cardinals

8. Arizona Diamondbacks

9. Atlanta Braves

10. Cincinnati Reds

11. Milwaukee Brewers

12. Washington Nationals

13. Miami Marlins

14. Pittsburgh Pirates

15. Colorado Rockies

Friday, May 29

AL Game 1: (9) Red Sox defeat (8) Astros by a final score of 4-3

Starting Pitchers: Garrett Crochet and Framber Valdez

AL Game 2: (5) Guardians defeat (12) Rays by a final score of 5-2

Starting Pitchers: Gavin Williams and Drew Rasmussen

AL Game 3: (4) Mariners defeat (13) Angels by a final score of 3-2

Starting Pitchers: Luis Castillo and Yusei Kikuchi

AL Game 4: (3) Twins defeat (14) Orioles by a final score of 5-4

Starting Pitchers: Pablo Lopez and Tomoyuki Sugano

AL Game 5: (6) Rangers defeat (11) Blue Jays by a final score of 4-3

Starting Pitchers: Nathan Eovaldi and Kevin Gausman

AL Game 6: (10) A's defeat (7) Royals by a final score of 4-3

Starting Pitchers: Luis Severino and Kris Bubic

AL Game 7: (2) Yankees defeat (15) White Sox by a final score of 8-0

Starting Pitchers: Max Fried and Sean Burke

Saturday, May 30

NL Game 1: (9) Braves defeat (8) Diamondbacks by a final score of 4-3

Starting Pitchers: Chris Sale and Corbin Burnes

NL Game 2: (12) Nationals defeat (5) Cubs by a final score of 6-5

Starting Pitchers: Mackenzie Gore and Matthew Boyd

NL Game 3: (4) Phillies defeat (13) Marlins by a final score of 7-0

Starting Pitchers: Zack Wheeler and Ryan Weathers

NL Game 4: (14) Pirates defeat (3) Padres by a final score of 2-1

Starting Pitchers: Paul Skenes and Dylan Cease

NL Game 5: (6) Giants defeat (11) Brewers by a final score of 4-2

Starting Pitchers: Logan Webb and Freddy Peralta

NL Game 6: (10) Reds defeat (7) Cardinals by a final score of 5-3

Starting Pitchers: Hunter Greene and Sonny Gray

NL Game 7: (2) Mets defeat (15) Rockies by a final score of 6-1

Starting Pitchers: Kodai Senga and German Marquez

AL Game 8: (1) Tigers defeat (9) Red Sox by a final score of 4-1

Starting Pitchers: Tarik Skubal and Walker Buehler

AL Game 9: (4) Mariners defeat (5) Guardians by a final score of 5-3

Starting Pitchers: Bryan Woo and Tanner Bibee

AL Game 10: (6) Rangers defeat (3) Twins by a final score of 4-3

Starting Pitchers: Jacob deGrom and Joe Ryan

AL Game 11: (2) Yankees defeat (10) A's by a final score of 6-3

Starting Pitchers: Carlos Rodon and Jeffrey Springs

AL Game 12: (11) Blue Jays defeat (14) Orioles by a final score of 7-4

Starting Pitchers: Chris Bassitt and Dean Kremer

AL Game 13: (7) Royals defeat (15) White Sox by a final score of 6-1

Starting Pitchers: Seth Lugo and Shane Smith

AL Game 14: (12) Rays defeat (13) Angels by a final score of 5-4

Starting Pitchers: Ryan Pepiot and Tyler Anderson

2024-25 MLB Free Agent Predictions

UPDATE AS OFFSEASON GOES ON:

• Correct Team prediction will be highlighted in Green, Incorrect Team prediction will be highlighted in Red.
• +/- 1 year of actual length of contract will be highlighted in Green. +/- of 2 or more years of actual length will be highlighted in Red.
• Club/Vesting Options will not be included in my predicted contract length.
• Player Options will be included in my predicted contract length.
• +/- $5M or less in Average Annual Value will be highlighted in Green. +/- $5.01M or more will be highlighted in Red.
• The Buyout amount for Team Options will be included in the Average Annual Value. I will be using the Luxury Tax salary.

Projected Available Free Agents (after Club Options/Player Options/Mutual Options)

Top 25

1. Juan Soto, OF, New York Yankees

Prediction: New York Yankees, 14 years/$630M

Actual: New York Mets, 15 years/$765M

2. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Prediction: New York Mets, 6 years/$186M

Actual: Arizona Diamondbacks, 6 years/$210M

3. Alex Bregman, 3B, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 6 years/$180M

Actual: Boston Red Sox, 3 years/$120M

4. Roki Sasaki, RHP, Japan

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, Standard Minor League Contract

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, Standard Minor League Contract

5. Max Fried, LHP, Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Chicago Cubs, 7 years/$182M

Actual: New York Yankees, 8 years/$218M

6. Blake Snell, LHP, San Francisco Giants

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 6 years/$174M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 5 years/$182M

7. Blake Treinen, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 2 years/$24M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 2 years/$22M

8. Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Mets, 6 years/$150M

Actual: New York Mets, 2 years/$54M

9. Willy Adames, SS, Milwaukee Brewers

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 6 years/$144M

Actual: San Francisco Giants, 7 years/$182M

10. Shane Bieber, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Cleveland Guardians, 2 years/$26M

11. Teoscar Hernandez, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$40M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 3 years/$72.5M

12. Anthony Santander, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 3 years/$60M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 5 years/$92.5M

13. Jeff Hoffman, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 4 years/$44M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 3 years/$33M

14. Gleyber Torres, 2B, New York Yankees
Prediction: Kansas City Royals, 2 years/$30M

Actual: Detroit Tigers, 1 year/$15M

15. Tanner Scott, LHP, San Diego Padres
Prediction: New York Yankees, 4 years/$52M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 years/$72M

16. Jurickson Profar, OF, San Diego Padres
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels, 3 years/$54M

Actual: Atlanta Braves, 3 years/$42M

17. Nathan Eovalid, RHP, Texas Rangers
Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 2 years/$45M

Actual: Texas Rangers, 3 years/$75M

18. Luis Severino, RHP, New York Mets
Prediction: Washington Nationals, 3 years/$57M

Actual: A's, 3 years/$67M

19. Jack Flaherty, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Atlanta Braves, 4 years/$88M

Actual: Detroit Tigers, 2 years/$35M

20. Ha-Seong Kim, SS, San Diego Padres
Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers, 3 years/$33M

Actual: Tampa Bay Rays, 2 years/$29M

21. Sean Manaea, LHP, New York Mets
Prediction: Minnesota Twins, 3 years/$57M

Actual: New York Mets, 3 years/$75M

22. Kirby Yates, RHP, Texas Rangers
Prediction: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$12M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$13M

23. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals
Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks, 1 year/$14M

Actual: New York Yankees, 1 year/$12.5M

24. Max Scherzer, RHP, Texas Rangers
Prediction: Detroit Tigers, 1 year/$12.5M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$15.5M

25. Walker Buehler, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Cleveland Guardians, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$21.05M

Pittsburgh Pirates Offseason Plan for 2025 Season

 

    The Pitsburgh Pirates have a golden opportunity to compete for the next few years because of the fantastic young rotation they have, the decent pool of prospects in the system, and a relatively weak NL Central. The Pirates ownership does not do the fans any favors with the extremely low yearly payroll, but the team can position themselves to contend in 2025 with a coaching staff overhaul and some roster adjustments. Paul Skenes won't be around forever and will likely be on another team by the year 2029. With him and Jared Jones on near league minimum salaries for 2025, the time is now to put some extra money into the team. 

    During the run of postseason appearances from 2013-15, the Pirates' payroll peaked at roughly $100M, so that is what I set the budget at for 2025. Below you will see my offseason plan of what I would do if I was the GM of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Coaching Staff Changes

Manager Derek Shelton is fired

Bench Coach Don Kelly is retained

Assistant Hitting Coach Christian Marrero is fired

Pitching Coach Oscar Marin is fired

First Base Coach Tarrik Brock is fired

Third Base Coach Mike Rabelo is fired

Manager Joe Girardi is hired

    The consensus about Girardi when he managed the Yankees was that he was an intense manager and treated every game with great importance. That can be bad thing and exhausting for some teams, but for this Pirates team, I think they need a little bit of that. Derek Shelton consistently benched hot hitters because it was their scheduled "rest day" and did not seem to put winning above everything else. To be fair, he was hired to help a losing ball club get through a rebuild and give young players a chance to play. The page has to be turned this year, and Girardi will help build a culture that prioritizes winning.

Hitting Coach Sean Casey is hired

    Sean Casey's philosophy matches up perfectly with what the Pirates need. The Pirates ranked 24th in the majors in Batting Average so they are in need of a coach who preaches using the entire field and shortening up and putting the ball in play with two strikes. Casey is also a former Pirate and from Pittsburgh so he is a natural fit for the Pirates hitting coach position.

Pitching Coach Jake Peavy hired as pitching coach

    When Peavy pitched from 2002 to 2016, he relied on 5 main pitches (Cutter, 4-Seam Fastball, Sinker, Curveball, and Slider) so that should help with potentially adding a pitch to the repertoires of the Pirates' pitchers. Peavy has been an analyst with MLB Network so he has stayed involved with the game after his retirement.

First Base Coach/Assistant Hitting Coach Michael Young is hired

    Michael Young was a career .300 hitter playing for the Texas Rangers for most of his career, and had the hitting approach similar to what Sean Casey preaches now, making him a good fit to add onto the staff.

Third Base Coach Mike Napoli is hired

    Napoli was the first base coach for the Cubs in 2024 but was let go a few days ago. He is a good fit for the Pirates because he will give a power hitting perspective to go along with Casey and Young.

2025 Coaching Staff

Manager: Joe Girardi

Bench Coach: Don Kelly

Hitting Coach: Sean Casey

Pitching Coach: Jake Peavy

First Base Coach/Assistant Hitting Coach: Michael Young

Third Base Coach: Mike Napoli

Players to Non-Tender/DFA/Let Walk/Trade for Cash/Trade for Prospect

LHP Jalen Beeks (FA)

Beeks had a 4.50 ERA with the Rockies and Pirates in 2024. There are better options available to help fill out the Pirates new look bullpen for 2025.

LHP Ryan Borucki (FA)

Injuries slowed Borucki down, and there are healthier and more reliable options available via trade and free agency.

C Yasmani Grandal (FA)

Joey Bart has emerged as a legitimate starting catcher, and the Pirates have Jason Delay and a healthy Endy Rodriguez in the system.

RHP Daulton Jefferies (DFA/Trade)

Jefferies battled an elbow injury in 2024 and has a career 6.59 ERA.

1B Connor Joe (Trade)

Joe went ice cold down the stretch so the Pirates should seek more consistency.

RHP Isaac Mattson (DFA/Trade)

Mattson has been solid in the minors, but has struggled in limited time in the majors, and his roster spot was needed to add new free agents.

LHP Joey Wentz (DFA/Trade)

Wentz has an ERA north of 5.00 in his career, and there are more reliable left-handed options available.

SS Alika Williams (DFA/Trade)

Williams is a good defender but has not hit enough to justify being on the 40-man.

RHP Ben Heller

RHP Johan Oviedo

RHP Dennis Santana

RHP Hunter Stratton

With the Pirates transitioning to a 6-man rotation and wanting to dramatically improve the bullpen, these right handers are expendable in a trade.

Club Option Decisions

LHP Marco Gonzales (Declined, $0 Buyout)

The $15M Option has to be declined after Gonzales struggled to a 4.55 ERA in 2024.

Players with Contracts to pencil in on Opening Day 40-Man Roster

C Joey Bart (First Year Arbitration Salary of $1.75M)

RHP David Bednar (Second Year Arbitration Salary of $5.25M)

CF Oneil Cruz (Renewed for 1 year/$760K)

LHP Bailey Falter (First Year Arbitration Salary of $2.5M)

RHP Colin Holderman (First Year Arbitration Salary of $1.35M)

RHP Jared Jones (Renewed for 1 year/$760K)

RHP Mitch Keller (Already signed, Luxury Tax Amount of $15.4M)

SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Already signed, Luxury Tax Amount of $6.283M)

RHP Luis Ortiz (Renewed for 1 year/$760K)

IF Liover Peguero (Renewed for 1 year/$760K

LF Bryan Reynolds (Already signed, Luxury Tax Amount of $13.34375M)

C Endy Rodriguez (Renewed for 1 year/$760K)

RHP Paul Skenes (Renewed for 1 year/$760K)

UTL Jared Triolo (Renewed for 1 year/$760K)

Free Agent Signings and Extensions

RHP Trevor Bauer signed to 1 year/$760K contract.

Bauer will slot in as the number 4 starter in his return to the majors. He stated he would be willing to play for league minimum.

LHP Matthew Boyd signed to 1 year/$3.5M contract

With all the power right handers set to be in the rotation, it was important for the Pirates to add a lefty in the middle. Boyd has struggled to stay healthy, and being the veteran in the middle of a 6-man rotation should make this an attractive free agent spot for him.

LHP Aroldis Chapman resigned to 1 year/$6M contract.

Chapman showed signs of finally slowing down, but his final numbers and strikeout numbers were impressive, and he is brought back to be the 7-inning guy.

RHP Kendall Graveman signed to 1 year/$4M contract

Graveman missed the entire 2024 season because of shoulder surgery, but he had a 3.12 ERA in 68 games in 2023. Graveman has the chance to pitch in high leverage situations again to build his value up before he hits free agency again next year. From the Pirates perspective he has experience closing and pitching as a set-up man, so his versatility is valued.

1B Paul Goldschmidt signed to 1 year/$11.5M contract

The Pirates need a player who takes consistent professional at bats. Signing Goldschmidt to a one year is a low risk and potential high reward deal.

2B Jose Iglesias signed to 1 year/$3M contract

Iglesias batted .337 in 2024 which would help raise the team batting average. Iglesias also has the capability to play SS and 3B if needed.

OF Andrew McCutchen resigned to 1 year/$3M contract

McCutchen is brought back in what will likely be his final year. He will serve mostly as a fourth outfielder.

3B Gio Urshela signed to 1 year/$3M contract

Signing Urshela should be an upgrade offensively from what the Pirates got from Ke'Bryan Hayes last year. Urshela has always been a great defender and is capable of playing multiple infield spots.

Trades to Make

2B Nick Gonzales, 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes, C Henry Davis, SS Mitch Jebb, OF Tony Blanco Jr., OF Lonnie White Jr., LHP Hunter Barco, RHP Zander Mueth, & 2B Nick Yorke traded to the Oakland Athletics for RHP Mason Miller and DH Brent Rooker.

    The Pirates would have to give up a ton of volume in this trade because they are not giving up any Top 100 Prospects.

2B Termarr Johnson, LHP Anthony Solometo, RF Bryan De La Cruz, RHP Kyle Nicolas, & SS Tsung-Che Cheng traded to the Chicago White Sox for OF Luis Robert Jr. & Cash

The justification in giving up so many prospects was because the Pirates need to be very aggressive in the next few years as their contention window is right now. The young rotation will hit arbitration soon and become more expensive, meaning less money can be put into the offense. Without an improved offense, the Pirates will see a repeat of the 2024 season. Also, I could justify giving up nine players in the two moves because the top prospects were not traded. Bubba Chandler, Konnor Griffin, Braxton Ashcraft, and Thomas Harrington were not moved. This hurts the depth of the Pirates minor league system, but the top end is still filled with decent players. The last justification for making these trades is that I do not believe a lot of the players traded will make a huge impact at the major league level. Henry Davis has struggled at the majors. Nick Gonzales had a fine 2024 season, but as a second baseman with only 7 home runs, he seemed to be easily replaceable. I was not high on Termarr Johnson during his draft year even though scouts thought he had a 70 Hit Tool. We have slowly watched that hit tool decrease to a 55 currently. The Pirates would be in a great spot to contend in 2025 with these trades while not destroying their future too much. If the Pirates stay conservative and not make any big trades now, they will be mediocre in 2025, and they will be mediocre in 2028 and beyond as well, because of the lack of star players in the system. I would be okay with this team having a better chance to compete in 2025-27 while potentially struggling a little more in 2028 and beyond, because I think if they stay conservative now, they will be mediocre in 2028 anyways. Doing nothing this offseason will result in mediocrity for the next 10 years, so it makes sense to push a lot of chips in to compete the next 2-3 years. The time is now to give this city a team to be passionate about.

Pirates New Top 10 Prospects After Trades

1. RHP Bubba Chandler

2. RHP Thomas Harrington

3. SS Konnor Griffin

4. RHP Braxton Ashcraft

5. RHP Levi Starling

6. SS Wyatt Sanford

7. LHP Michael Kennedy

8. RHP Mike Burrows

9. LHP Josh Hartle

10. SS Yordany De Los Santos

Summary of Moves

- Jalen Beeks

- Ryan Borucki

- Tsung-Che Cheng

- Henry Davis

- Bryan De La Cruz

- Marco Gonzales

- Nick Gonzales

- Yasmani Grandal

- Ke'Bryan Hayes

- Ben Heller

- Daulton Jefferies

- Connor Joe

- Isaac Mattson

- Kyle Nicolas

- Johan Oviedo

- Dennis Santana

- Joey Wentz

- Alika Williams

- Hunter Stratton

+ Trevor Bauer

+ Matthew Boyd

+ Kendall Graveman

+ Paul Goldschmidt

+ Jose Iglesias

+ Mason Miller

+ Luis Robert Jr.

+ Brent Rooker

+ Gio Urshela

Rule 5 Eligible Players/Other Internal Players to Add to 40-Man Roster

RHP Bubba Chandler

Chandler is added in order to be put on the opening day roster. He helps round out the Pirates incredible 6 man rotation.

RHP Thomas Harrington

Harrington will start the season in the top of the rotation in Triple-A and will be an option to start games or be a relief option in the second half of the season.

C Carter Bins
C Wyatt Hendrie

OF Matt Gorski

1B Malcolm Nunez

The Pirates do not have any elite prospects they had to protect, so it made sense to protect their catching depth. Even though Bins and Hendrie likely won't impact the MLB club, it was important to maintain some catching continuity in the minor leagues. Gorski had 23 homers with Triple-A Indy in 2024, and the Pirates are desperate to add power to the MLB club, so he was protected. With Nunez's ability to play 1B, he was protected because the Pirates do not have a long-term plan at 1B just yet.

Opening Day 40-Man Roster

SP	Paul Skenes
SP	Jared Jones
SP	Mitch Keller
SP	Trevor Bauer
SP	Matthew Boyd
SP	Bubba Chandler
LR	Luis Ortiz
RP	Bailey Falter
RP	Colin Holderman
RP	David Bednar
SU	Aroldis Chapman
SU	Kendall Graveman
CL	Mason Miller
C	Joey Bart
1B	Paul Goldschmidt
2B	Jose Iglesias
3B	Gio Urshela
SS	Isiah Kiner-Falefa
LF	Bryan Reynolds
CF	Oneil Cruz
RF	Luis Robert Jr.
DH	Brent Rooker
C	Endy Rodriguez
IF	Liover Peguero
OF	Andrew McCutchen
UTL	Jared Triolo
m	Braxton Ashcraft
m	Ji Hwan Bae
m	Carter Bins
m	Mike Burrows
m	Billy Cook
m	Jason Delay
m	Matt Gorski
m	Thomas Harrington
m	Wyatt Hendrie
m	Carmen Mlodzinski
m	Dauri Moreta
m	Malcom Nunez
m	Joshua Palacios
m	Jack Suwinski

26 Man Opening Day Roster + Salaries (in millions)

SP	Paul Skenes	0.76	TOTAL
SP	Jared Jones	0.76	99.810083
SP	Mitch Keller	15.4
SP	Trevor Bauer	0.76
SP	Matthew Boyd	3.5
SP	Bubba Chandler	0.76
LR	Luis Ortiz	0.76
RP	Bailey Falter	2.5
RP	Colin Holderman	1.35
RP	David Bednar	5.25
SU	Aroldis Chapman	6
SU	Kendall Graveman	4
CL	Mason Miller	0.76
C	Joey Bart	1.75
1B	Paul Goldschmidt	11.5
2B	Jose Iglesias	3
3B	Gio Urshela	3
SS	Isiah Kiner-Falefa	6.283
LF	Bryan Reynolds	13.34375
CF	Oneil Cruz	0.76
RF	Luis Robert Jr.	8.333333
DH	Brent Rooker	4
C	Endy Rodriguez	0.76
IF	Liover Peguero	0.76
OF	Andrew McCutchen	3
UTL	Jared Triolo	0.76

Opening Day Lineup

1. R Jose Iglesias, 2B

2. S Bryan Reynolds, LF

3. R Paul Goldschmidt, 1B

4. R Brent Rooker, DH

5. L Oneil Cruz, CF

6. R Luis Robert, Jr., RF

7. R Joey Bart, C

8. R Gio Urshela, 3B

9. R Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS

SP: R Paul Skenes

7th Inning: L Aroldis Chapman

8th Inning: R Kendall Graveman

9th Inning: R Mason Miller