3 Pirates 2024 developments fans can look forward to for next season

Now that we are in the final stretch of the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2024 campaign, much of the attention has shifted to 2025.

There are still plenty of unknowns, including potential offseason trades and free agent signings, but there have also been plenty of developments in 2024 that have given us an indication of what's likely to come in 2025.

As we look toward the future, below are three positive developments from this season that are likely to continue into the next one:

Three 2024 developments Pirates fans can look forward to for next season

A dominant starting rotation

Starting pitching has, at times, been the only bright spot for the 2024 Pirates, and the future is looking even brighter.

Paul Skenes. Mitch Keller. A healthy Jared Jones. Add in Bailey Falter, Luis Ortiz and a freshly recovered Johan Oviedo, and the Pirates have an absolutely stacked starting rotation for 2025.

Plus, don't rule out the possibility of seeing Pirates No. 1-ranked prospect Bubba Chandler in Pittsburgh next season. Chandler was promoted from Double-A Altoona to Triple-A Indianapolis in August and has been exceptional in his first five starts at Triple-A, posting a 3-0 record and a 1.93 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .178 batting average over 28 innings.

Oneil Cruz as a full-time outfielder

Oneil Cruz's abrupt move from shortstop to center field has been one of the biggest storylines from the second half of the Pirates' season, in part due to the apparent haste in which it happened. Cruz's 6-foot-7 frame and natural athleticism give him the ability to cover ground in the outfield with ease, but the fact that he had never played the position before made the midseason transition rather puzzling.

Cruz has done what's been asked of him in his limited reps at center field this season, but he could certainly benefit from a full offseason and spring training to get more comfortable and hone his skills at the position. As long as the transition isn't rushed or forced, he has the potential to be a star outfielder in Pittsburgh.

Nick Yorke's arrival

The Pirates already called up Billy Cook in 2024, and it's hard to imagine that fellow trade deadline acquisition Nick Yorke won't be next in 2025. Yorke has been absolutely raking since he arrived at Triple-A Indianapolis from the Boston Red Sox in the Quinn Priester trade, slashing .359/.428/.508 with 46 hits and 21 RBI in his first 34 games.

Yorke has played primarily at second base for Indianapolis, which is likely why he won't get a call-up in 2024. The Pirates already have Nick Gonzales, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Alika Williams and Jared Triolo on their active roster, all of whom can play second. If Yorke can make a successful move to the outfield, where the Pirates have greater need, he will easily earn a spot on the 40-man roster next season en route to his MLB debut.

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