The Pittsburgh Pirates are finally seeing the fruits of their rebuilding efforts, and the future looks bright. At the heart of this resurgence is Paul Skenes, fresh off his first NL Cy Young award at just 23 years old. He's the ace of a pitching staff that boasted the seventh-best ERA in baseball last season.
To bolster their lineup, the Pirates added three All-Star hitters over the winter, aiming to provide more run support for their talented pitchers. This strategic move could be the key to unlocking their full potential.
Pittsburgh's roster is also brimming with young talent ready to make their mark. Top prospects Konnor Griffin and Bubba Chandler are poised to give the team a significant boost this year.
MLB prospect analyst Keith Law is particularly optimistic about their impact. In his rookie rankings, he placed Griffin at No. 4 and Chandler at No. 10, highlighting their potential to shine in the big leagues.
Griffin's progress last season was remarkable, especially after his promotion to Double-A. Known for his defensive prowess at shortstop, he's drawn comparisons to the legendary Willie Mays. While it's uncertain if he'll make the Opening Day roster, Griffin is the current favorite for NL Rookie of the Year, suggesting his ranking might be conservative.
Chandler, on the other hand, is expected to start the season in the Pirates' rotation. With an elite fastball and a plus changeup, he's projected to be the No. 3 starter behind Skenes and Mitch Keller. His brief stint in the majors last year showed promise, and with improved control, he could be a formidable force.
With these exciting developments, the Pirates are eyeing their first playoff appearance since 2015. If their young stars deliver, Pittsburgh could be a team to watch this season.