This is the end…beautiful friends. No, we won’t be talking about Jim Morrison who fronted The Doors, or Jim Morrison who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1982 to 1987. We will be talking about the worst team in baseball last season. What can they do to rebuild this team?
Offseason Strategy
The one thing the Pirates have going for them is youth. All around the diamond they have guys who haven’t spent much time at the major league level. Their strategy at this point should really be to sign a few veterans on one-year deals and trade them at the deadline in 2021 for prospects.
Keys to the Offseason
Set Up for 2022
While the National League Central is in flux at this point, the Pirates are still behind the pack. That could change if they could bring in a few good prospects. Trade rumors have been swirling around Joe Musgrove and Jameson Taillon. Both could bring in a decent haul. Josh Bell is a year removed from an All-Star appearance along with 37 HRs and a .936 OPS. He is a switch-hitter and still only 28. He was moved already to the Washington Nationals for pitchers Eddy Yean and Wil Crowe. Taillon’s talent is undeniable. However, the former second-overall pick is recovering from his second Tommy John Surgery. Still only 29, he could be an ace if he comes back to form and stays healthy.
See What You Have
This year should be about evaluating the talent already on the team. They already have third base stud, Ke’Bryan Hayes. The Pirates need to look at Kevin Newman, Bryan Reynolds, Jose Osuna, and others. Deciding who to keep past 2021 and who to move for better pieces will go a long way in deciding whether they compete in 2022.
Offseason Targets
Neil Walker, 35, 1B/2B
He spent the first seven years of his career with the Bucs. While his power isn’t what it used to be, he is a useful piece to a young lineup. Walker can play first base and a little second while still putting up decent numbers. Pittsburgh can get him back for a one-year deal at around $1 million.
Nomar Mazara, 25, OF
The left-handed hitter lost his power last season, hitting only one HR for the Chicago White Sox. The Pirates could give Mazara a home for a few years and possibly move Gregory Polanco for prospects. The Pirates could probably sign Mazara for three or four years at around $3-$5 million.
Any Pitcher
If they can sign a few pitchers, whether for the rotation or bullpen, they should do it. Bringing in multiple arms for $1 or $2 million this year, and then trading them, would be the Pirates’ best move.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
