Pirates Q&A: What’s Next? Will Reynolds, Cruz Have Better Seasons?
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
After a slump year for B-Rey and Cruz, Do you think they have a breakout season this year? And do you think Triolo steps it up more at the plate this season? – John Caldwell
The biggest reason for the Pirates’ offensive struggles last year was largely due to disappointing seasons from Reynolds and Cruz. And while Pittsburgh has made several notable additions to the lineup, to see real improvement, both players will need to have stronger seasons.
Reynolds is entering his age-31 season, so it’s fair to question whether he’ll return to his All-Star form at this stage of his career. But I’m expecting a better year from the outfielder. Though he never said it publicly, I wonder how much the arm injury that prevented him from playing the field impacted him. The good news for Reynolds is that he had a strong finish to the season. From July 13 through the end of the year, he had an .815 OPS in 64 games.
Cruz, meanwhile, showed flashes by leading the league with 38 stolen bases and pacing the Pirates with 20 home runs. But consistency was a huge problem. This is a big year for Cruz, who needs to show he can more regularly match his performance with his talent. In order to do that, he’ll need to put the ball in play more, do better against lefties and be more consistent.
I wouldn’t expect Triolo to provide much more than what he’s given in his career. He’s shown stretches where he’s performed well at the plate but has shown the opposite more often. He’s still a pretty valuable player to the Pirates thanks to his defense and versatility.
What is next for the Pirates? – @nailersburgh24
The Marcell Ozuna signing is somewhat of a surprise given that while he was perhaps the top hitter still available, the fit isn’t ideal on paper. But the Pirates aren’t done before the start of the season.
A source indicated they are looking into brining back Jose Quintana and are surely speaking to a number of others as they look to add a stabilizer to the rotation. They still could very likely add a third baseman, probably more via trade. And I feel that a bullpen addition should still be on their list even after bringing on Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery.
You think they will get a third basemen before opening day? – Lee Crisman
I do think they will, but I don’t think it’s a guarantee. I thought instead of Ozuna, the Pirates would splurge more on a third baseman. To me, doing that and bringing back Andrew McCutchen as a part-time DH and spot starter in the outfield made more sense to me for a number of reasons.
But the Pirates are still exploring a number of options at the hot corner. If they add a capable third baseman during spring training, it lessens the chances of Konnor Griffin making the Opening Day roster in my eyes. With that being said, if Griffin starts the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, it probably won’t be long before he’s called up.
How does Ozunas swing match up playing in PNC Park? – Brett Skye Thomaswick
His track record at PNC Park isn’t great. In 36 career games in Pittsburgh, Ozuna has hit .225 with a .605 OPS, nine doubles, one home run and 13 RBI. But PNC Park’s dimensions aren’t all that different from Truist Park’s in Atlanta and Ozuna’s performance with the Braves over the years has been impressive.
Will some home runs turn into doubles? I’m sure. But I wouldn’t be too concerned about Ozuna forgetting how to hit home runs in Pittsburgh. Not to mention he’ll have 81 away games to make an impact too.
How close are they to getting Isaac Paredes? What will they have to give up, Jared Jones? – David Stutzman
Nothing is imminent. In fact, signing Ozuna lessens the Pirates’ chances of landing Paredes. And I’d imagine Pittsburgh would be reluctant to dip into their starting pitching depth again with someone like Jones.
I think it’s more likely the Pirates pursue a pre-arbitration or low-cost player via trade than someone like Paredes or Alec Bohm. Some possibilities include Brett Baty and Mark Vientos from the Mets, Josh Jung from the Rangers or Casey Schmitt from the Giants. If I’m Ben Cherington, I’m calling the Red Sox about Caleb Durbin or Andruw Monasterio, both of whom were just acquired from the Brewers.
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