Pittsburgh Pirates 2024 Opening Day Roster Projection 2.0

Some things have changed since our Opening Day roster prediction at the start of January
May 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton (17) looks on before
May 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton (17) looks on before / Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
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Utility Man - Jared Triolo

The final position player spot goes to Jared Triolo. The right-handed hitting Triolo made his MLB debut last season and impressed. In his first taste of MLB action, he hit for a .298/.388/.398 slash line with a 116 OPS+, 118 wRC+, and a 2.2 WAR.

Offensively, Triolo benefitted from an unsustainably high .440 batting average on balls in play. While Triolo's BABIP indicates he is due for offensive regression in 2024, he will still be a high contact hitter with strong on-base skills.

Maybe the biggest factor working in Triolo's favor when it comes to making the Opening Day roster is his defensive flexibility. If not for Hayes, he would be the team's starting third baseman and a legitimate Gold Glove candidate at the position. Triolo is a plus defender at second base, and can also play both shortstop and first base at a high level. It's hard to envision Triolo being left off the Opening Day roster.