North Shore Nine

The Pittsburgh Pirates will begin their season on 3/28/24 in Miami versus the Marlins. After an exciting Spring Training, there is some optimism amongst the fanbase. While it is not a perfect team there is a lot to like, and the organization appears poised to take a step forward. So, it’s time for some bold predictions!

Record: 88-74 with a Wild Card spot!
The offense will carry the Pirates this year, as the pitching works to catch up. The offense will keep the Pirates in many games that, in the past, they would not have been able to hang around in. This, coupled with a superior bullpen, will allow them to win more games than expected.

The Rotation will not be as bad as feared!
Mitch Keller will lead the charge putting up an even better season than last year as he continues to transition into a true Ace. Furthermore, new additions Martin Perez, Marco Gonzales, and Domingo German will pitch very well for the Pirates.

The Rookies will surprise!
Jared Jones will surprise the baseball world with how well he pitches in the rotation to start the season. His usage will be monitored but he will pitch surprisingly well. Furthermore, when it is time to give him some rest the next Pirate rookie will get the call to take his place, Paul Skenes.

The Pirates will send 5 players to the All-Star game!
Mitch Keller, David Bednar, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Oneil Cruz, and Bryan Reynolds will all head to the All-Star game in July. There will be arguments amongst the fans for at least one other to make it.

The Lumber Company will return!
The Pirates will hit over 200 team home runs in 2024. Cruz will lead the way hitting over 30 himself. Joining him in the over-20 club will be Hayes, Reynolds, Jack Suwinski, Rowdy Tellez, Henry Davis, Liover Peguero, and Andrew McCutchen.

Awards!
Cruz will win Comeback Player of the Year. Hayes will win his Platinum Glove. Jared Triolo will win his first GG in the Utility category. Silver Sluggers will be given to Hayes, Cruz, Reynolds, and Davis. Jones will just miss out on winning Rookie of the Year, and MLB will hear about it all next offseason.