Pirates Q&A: Endy Rodríguez Latest, Bubba Chandler ETA and More (+)
Welcome to our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A.
With spring training underway, there are plenty of topics to address and thank you to everyone who submitted a question.
What’s the word on Endy Rodríguez? – Tim Snyder
Rodríguez didn’t play in a game for the Pirates last season but appeared in a handful of minor-league games at the end of the year after undergoing offseason Tommy John surgery.
The 24-year-old has said that he feels 100% and should be ready for Opening Day barring anything unforeseen.
The Pirates remain adamant that they still view Rodríguez as a catcher despite Joey Bart’s emergence last season and 2021 top pick Henry Davis still on the roster. But Rodríguez has experience playing at other positions. If it was my decision, I’d get him some reps at first base (in addition to catcher) this spring to help fill in for the injured Spencer Horwitz and get more regular at-bats.
What is the plan for Peguero? With no one on the roster able to play shortstop after 2025, don’t we need a decision this year on his future? – Timothy Wolfe
Peguero seems to have fallen out of favor with some in the organization. He was up very briefly with the Pirates in 2024 but didn’t appear in a game.
The 24-year-old didn’t have a necessarily strong season at Triple-A last season, but it’s somewhat surprising seeing how quickly the Pirates have overlooked him.
But in regards to shortstop, Peguero should be in the mix this spring. I’m still guessing Kiner-Falefa is the Opening Day starter at the position in Miami, but he’s best served as a utilityman. Peguero offers more upside and is one of very few natural shortstops on the roster.
Are there going to be any more trades before the season starts or they going with who they got? – James Johnston
This question was asked before the Pirates agreed to a deal with Andrew Heaney on Thursday. While Heaney is a solid addition, they shouldn’t be done looking to add just yet.
The Pirates’ offense still isn’t imposing and a team can never have enough depth. If I was in Ben Cherington’s position, I would still be looking for a lineup upgrade wherever I can find one.
Heaney’s addition strengthens a strong pitching group, but the offense looks like it could hold the Pirates back from being a legitimate contender.
Do you think Bubba Chandler will be given a single game at the end of the season or do you think he will be called up before? – Bob Drone
Chandler is the consensus top Pirates’ prospects and has an outside chance at cracking the Opening Day roster as Jared Jones did last spring. Ultimately, I think Chandler will start the season in Indianapolis, where he went 4-0 with a 1.83 ERA in seven starts last season.
But assuming Chandler remains healthy through the entire year, I think we will see him before a spot start to end the season. The right-hander looks close to being big-league ready, and we’ll see how he fares this spring, but there’s a reason he’s so highly-regarded.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Chandler got promoted to the Pirates around midseason. But if there’s an inevitable injury or two to the Pirates’ rotation, he could be up even earlier than that.
What’s the plan if Horwitz comes back and has no pop? Are we just going to play the AAAA guys all year and give away the season? – @Burghfan99
Even if Horwitz doesn’t show power, I’m still guessing he’ll get the bulk of the playing time once he returns. The Pirates clearly think highly of him considering what it took to land him in a trade with the Guardians.
They really need him to show he’s capable. First base has been a blackhole for the Pirates for far too long.
More about:PBN+