2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Pittsburgh Pirates

After a pair of over-100-loss seasons, the Pirates won 76 games last season and saw several young players take steps forward, including Ke’Bryan Hayes and budding ace Mitch Keller. So, what did the Pirates do to upgrade their squad this winter? Here’s our 2023-24 Pirates offseason recap.

Notable Additions

With several highly prized pitching prospects in the wings, the Pirates opted to fortify their 2024 rotation with pieces for the short term. Left-handers Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales come over from the AL West, although most of Gonzales’ salary will be covered by the Braves.

Pittsburgh also added a setup man for incumbent closer David Bednar in left-hander Aroldis Chapman. Chapman rebounded from a rough 2022 and regained velocity to once again turn into a dominant left-handed reliever.

And with Endy Rodriguez out for all of 2024, the Pirates added Yasmani Grandal, who could tandem with Henry Davis behind the dish for the Pirates.

Now, a look at the subtractions part of our Pirates offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

Pittsburgh didn’t lose OF/DH Andrew McCutchen, who went to market but did wind up re-signing with the Pirates.

However, the Pirates did cut bait with several arms from their 2023 roster, including Jarlin Garcia. Pittsburgh signed Garcia last winter but the lefty’s option was not picked up after he missed all of 2023 thanks to a nerve issue in his left arm.

What to Expect in 2024

Pittsburgh has never been a big spender in free agency and given the Pirates’ rebuilding status, a lighter offseason was the likely outcome.

The Pirates did add some depth to their rotation, a weakness from last season. However, neither Gonzales nor Perez are starters that could be considered #1 or #2 arms.

However, the bulk of the load will be on Pittsburgh’s young players like Jack Suwinski, Oneil Cruz, and the aforementioned Henry Davis, as well as franchise face Bryan Reynolds.