Pirates Insider Warns Bucs Offense After Clear Front Office Failure
Current Situation of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at a critical crossroads as the 2025 season approaches. With more questions than answers, the team faces increasing pressure from fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, rivals in the NL Central are growing stronger, yet the Pirates appear stagnant, maintaining their roster without making the necessary improvements.
After a quiet offseason that felt more like hibernation than preparation, the Pirates find themselves in a state of urgency. The team’s reluctance to pursue big hitters in the market has fans concerned about their competitiveness in the upcoming season. The pressure is mounting as the current roster faces multiple issues, particularly in offensive power.
The Biggest Issue: Lack of Offensive Power
The most significant problem for the Pirates is their lack of offensive power. Instead of pursuing a reliable hitter, they made incremental moves, such as adding Spencer Horwitz, a contact hitter with low power. This highlights the team’s indecision in building a formidable lineup, especially when other teams in the league are actively strengthening their rosters.
Pressure on the Star Players
The decision to keep the current lineup places immense pressure on stars like Bryan Reynolds and O’Neil Cruz. Both players are expected to carry the offensive load, but whether they can meet those expectations remains a big question mark. Fans are worried that the lack of power could lead to another disappointing season.
Noah Hiles, a Pirates insider, did not hold back in criticizing the current situation. In a recent podcast, he stated that “they are really lacking slug here,” emphasizing the team’s overreliance on potential rather than actual performance. The Pirates are betting on struggling hitters to bounce back rather than seeking solutions externally.
Challenges for Jack Suwinski and Henry Davis
The struggles of Jack Suwinski and Henry Davis in 2024 add to the Pirates’ concerns. Suwinski, once seen as a power hitter, managed just nine home runs after hitting 20 in back-to-back seasons. Meanwhile, Henry Davis, expected to be a key player, struggled to find consistency. If both players don’t improve, the Pirates could face a lacklustre season.
Dependence on Ke’Bryan Hayes
The front office’s inaction suggests they are placing their hopes on Ke’Bryan Hayes, whose offensive capability remains uncertain. While his Gold Glove defence is impressive, injuries have hindered his development at the plate. Although Hayes showed promise in the second half of 2023, his performance declined again in 2024 due to lingering health issues.
Expecting Ke’Bryan Hayes to suddenly break out without additional lineup protection is a risky gamble. This not only puts pressure on him but also raises significant doubts about the Pirates’ competitiveness. If they don’t find a powerful hitter soon, they will likely face a challenging season.
Competition in the NL Central
The Pirates’ struggles are even more evident when considering the competitive landscape in the NL Central. Other teams are actively making moves to enhance their rosters, while the Pirates seem content with the status quo. This not only frustrates fans but also widens the gap between the Pirates and their rivals.
Pirates fans are running out of reasons to hope for a successful season. They witnessed the historic dominance of Paul Skenes but have not seen the necessary support from the front office. This frustration has led to strong criticism of the team’s management approach.
The Path Forward for the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at a critical juncture. With more questions than answers, they need to act quickly to improve the roster and build a brighter future. Otherwise, frustration and criticism will continue to grow, and the Pirates could face a difficult season ahead. Fans’ patience is running out, and time is running short for the team to change its fate.
