The Pittsburgh Pirates are shaking things up this season, making bold moves to revamp an offense that struggled mightily last year. By trading young pitching talent like Mike Burrows for slugging second baseman Brendan Lowe, the Pirates are prioritizing offensive firepower, even if it means sacrificing some defensive prowess.
Faced with financial constraints and a reputation that often sees them miss out on top free agents, the Pirates have turned to players like Ryan O'Hearn, who might play out of position to ensure his bat is in the lineup. The focus is clear: bolster the offense, even if it means a few defensive compromises.
Last season, the Pirates excelled at keeping runs off the board, boasting a pitching staff with a 3.76 ERA, ranking them seventh in the majors. Their defense also shone, with 17 outs above average, placing them eighth overall. However, the Pirates are now betting on their new offensive additions to outweigh any defensive shortcomings.
The key question remains: will this gamble pay off? Trading defensive strength for offensive might is a strategy some teams have successfully employed. Notable examples include the 2017 Astros, 2018 Red Sox, 2023 Diamondbacks, and the 2025 Blue Jays, who saw significant improvements in their win totals.
The Pirates aim to emulate the Blue Jays, who jumped from a 74-88 record in 2024 to 94-68 in 2025. Yet, the effectiveness of this strategy can vary.
If defensive downgrades occur at less critical positions like first base and right field while maintaining strong up-the-middle defenders, the benefits are more likely to materialize. Conversely, weakening central positions could spell trouble.
There's hope for defensive improvement within the Pirates' ranks. Oneil Cruz, for instance, trained with Platinum Glover Kevin Kiermaier to enhance his center field skills. With Cruz ranking low among center fielders last season, any defensive gains could be significant.
Additionally, the arrival of Konnor Griffin at shortstop brings promise, with some touting his potential Gold Glove capabilities from day one. Jared Triolo, likely starting at third base, is known for his defensive skills, and Bryan Reynolds has refined his reaction time, boosting his defensive performance as he returns to left field.
While the Pirates are undoubtedly taking a calculated risk, the potential for young players to improve defensively could offset some losses. The real test will come when the season kicks off, revealing whether this strategic shift will propel the Pirates forward.