Pittsburgh Pirates: Impressive Rookie Seasons in Franchise History

(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 28: Jason Bay of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on from the dugout before a Major League Baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on August 28, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Cardinals defeated the Pirates 6-4. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 28: Jason Bay of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on from the dugout before a Major League Baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on August 28, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Cardinals defeated the Pirates 6-4. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Jason Bay

Now, this may be cheating a little bit, but not really. Jason Bay was traded from San Diego in 2003, along with Oliver Perez and Corey Stewart for Brian Giles. Bay did play in 30 games in 2003, but his rookie year didn’t officially start until the next year in 2004. Bay went on a tear that year. In fact, he broke a Pirates rookie record with 26 home runs.

That year Bay impressed with a .282/.358/.550 slash line along with 82 RBIs. His advanced stats were ultra-impressive with a .382 wOBA, 130 wRC+ and a 31.2% hard hit rate. Bay became the first Canadian to win the NL Rookie of the Year, as well as being the lone Pirate to take home the award.

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Final Thoughts

I know I might get some flack for some of these choices, and I will respect any and all opinions or suggestions from all of you. Just seeing Hayes and his impressive start reminded me of the plethora of Pittsburgh Pirates rookies to impress as well. I encourage to interact with this one and give me your thoughts and suggestions!