With just a week left until Major League Baseball’s trade deadline, the playoff race is tight.
In the American League, eight teams are within five games of a playoff spot. Over in the National League, it’s even more crowded with 13 teams in the mix.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are particularly interesting right now. They’re only half a game behind for the final wild-card spot and have won eight of their last ten games. Since June, they’ve been playing at a pace that could lead to 93 wins. But there’s more to consider than just their current standing. They also need to think about how to manage star pitcher Paul Skenes wisely .
The Pirates face three key factors that might push them to be aggressive buyers this week:
1. Uncertainty Is Certain
Nothing is guaranteed in baseball, especially with pitchers like Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones leading the team. Pitchers are unpredictable and often get injured. The Pirates have tried to be careful with Skenes and Jones, but Jones is already out due to a strained lat muscle.
Over recent seasons:
– Only 19 pitchers averaged 30 starts.
– Just 46 managed 25 starts.
– And 87 hit the 20-start mark.
This shows how rare it is for pitchers to stay healthy consistently. The Pirates can’t assume their top three will always be available; they need to seize this moment without wrecking their future prospects.
2. Easy Upgrades Available
The Pirates have several weak spots they can improve without major sacrifices:
– Catcher: Ranked 24th
– First base: Ranked 18th
– Second base: Ranked 23rd
– Third base: Ranked 16th
– Shortstop: Ranked 20th
– Left field: Ranked 10th
– Center field: Ranked last (30th)
– Right field: Ranked 21st
– Designated hitter: Ranked middle (15th)
They likely won’t replace Ke’Bryan Hayes or Oneil Cruz but could improve first base or an outfield position without giving up too much from their farm system.
Fans might think these changes could make all the difference for a playoff push!
3. Crucial Series Ahead
Playoff odds aren’t exactly in favor of the Pirates right now according to FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus. However, they have many upcoming games against direct competitors like the Padres and Diamondbacks which could change everything.
Four out of their next seven series are against either San Diego or Arizona. Winning these head-to-head matchups would not only boost them in standings but also help in tiebreaker scenarios later on.
So making moves now ensures they’re ready for these critical games ahead!
What do you think? Should they go all-in or play it safe?
