Pirates Q&A: Potential GM Candidates, What Prospects Could Get a Look?
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
Cherington must be let go. Who are possible replacements for Ben in the event Nutting does the sensible think. – Thomas Harpst
Based off recent comments made by Ben Cherington, he’s expecting to return as general manager in 2026, though that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s 100% certain.
If Bob Nutting does decide to move on from Cherington after six years — which he should — I’ve come up with a shortlist of potential candidates who could replace him. This list is based off my own research and the candidates are in no particular order.
My question: is PNC really a pitchers park? The free agent hitters we sign are substandard and usually washed up on the cheap. Therefore they don’t put up good numbers. We don’t develop hitters well so they don’t put up good numbers. Pitching has been good for us. So is the stigma that it is a pitchers park unfair and biased based on the strengths and weaknesses of our teams? – Todd Mccurdy
It’s a good question, Todd. PNC Park is a pitcher’s park, but the Pirates’ abysmal offense makes it look even more so. In particular, it’s a left-handed pitcher’s park, which is why Cherington has made it a point to sign a left-handed starter every offseason he’s been at the helm.
The short porch in right field is advantageous to left-handed hitters, but the spacious left field (really left-center) is not ideal for right-handed hitters, primarily power hitting right-handers.
Based off conversations I’ve had with players this season, there has been some frustration with how some balls that they’ve felt like should be home runs have fallen into the gloves of opposing teams left fielders.
As the Pirates search for lineup help this offseason, keep that in mind. They will likely look for left-handed power and right-handed bats who can spray the ball to all fields.
Who else will get a cup of coffee before the year is done. Too bad Altoona is still playing so we likely won’t get a look at Griffin or Termarr – Matthew Corradino
Now that Altoona’s season is over, it still doesn’t look like Konnor Griffin or Termarr Johnson will get a shot in the big leagues this season.
With six games to go on the schedule and a full 40-man roster, there aren’t a ton of guys who necessarily looked poised to end the season with Pittsburgh. However, two players do come to mind.
Right-handed reliever Brandan Bidois had a historic stretch with Triple-A Indianapolis to end the year. Combined between August and September, the 24-year-old allowed just one hit and struck out 25 in 21.1 innings.
Left-handed starter Hunter Barco, who is considered one of the Pirates’ top prospects, could also a candidate to make a spot start.
Either player would require a corresponding 40-man roster move, but the Pirates have plenty of DFA candidates, including two obvious ones on the pitching staff alone in Michael Darrell-Hicks and Jack Little.
Is the next year schedule out yet showing the elimination date? – Frank Geyer
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