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Pittsburgh Pirates: Counting on Healthy Returns to Provide Crucial Depth
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking ahead to 2024 with cautious optimism after enduring a difficult and injury-plagued 2023 season. Several key players ended up missing significant time on the 60-day injured list (IL), leaving gaping holes on the roster. However, if this group can return healthy next season, they could make a major impact and provide invaluable depth to help the Pirates take a step forward.
Pirates fans unfortunately know all too well how damaging injuries can be to the team's success. Just when it seemed the Pirates were ready to start turning the corner, the injury bug struck again in 2023. But this time, the players sidelined have the talent to change the team's outlook if they can make it back on the field.
Pitchers like JT Brubaker and reliever Angel Perdomo and exciting young hitters like Oneil Cruz and Tucupita Marcano are all on the comeback trail. These four currently take up coveted spots on the Pirates' 40-man roster despite combining for minimal production in 2023. The Pirates seem willing to exercise continued patience in hopes that their patience will ultimately be rewarded.
With better health in 2024, this group could provide the kind of impactful depth that has been lacking in recent seasons for the Pirates. Their development and production, if able to stay on the field, could make all the difference as Pittsburgh strives to get back to contending status in the NL Central.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking ahead to 2024 with optimism after a tough 2023 season riddled with injuries. Several key players ended the year on the 60-day injured list (IL) but could make a major difference if they return healthy next season.
Right-hander JT Brubaker emerged as a solid starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and 2022, going 9-28 with a 4.99 ERA over 61 starts in those seasons. While his ERA was high he definitely showed glimpses of potential. But his 2023 was cut short after just 15 starts by arm trouble. In his career, Brubaker has started 61 games with a 9-28 record, 4.99 ERA, and 324 strikeouts over 315.2 innings. Getting a healthy Brubaker back for a full season's workload would bolster the rotation.
Brubaker's arm injury tested the Pirates' rotation depth immediately for 2023, showing how much the team needs his innings. Getting the righty back would bring stability to the rotation depth. However, he should not be relied upon and should be viewed more as insurance or depth rather than making sure there is a spot for him in the rotation. The rotation needs to be improved this offseason.
Lefty reliever Angel Perdomo looked ready to take the next step after posting a 2.89 ERA in 2022. But shoulder and elbow injuries ruined his 2023 season. Perdomo was limited to 30 appearances and 29 innings, going 3-2 with a 3.72 ERA. In his career so far, Perdomo has pitched to a 5.55 ERA in 52 games while racking up 77 strikeouts in 48.2 innings. Getting him back to his 2022 form would give the Pirates bullpen a much-needed quality lefty arm.
The Pittsburgh Pirates offense also needs to be better. While the pitching can be criticized at times, the hitting is really what led to the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates struggles. This is especially true after their hot start to the season. A big issue that the team's offense was the absence of Oneil Cruz who was hurt in early April limiting him to just 9 total games for the 2023 season.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates to post more runs, they need start Oneil Cruz to be back in the lineup and fully healthy .
Slugging shortstop Oneil Cruz was slated to be the Pirates' biggest difference-maker in 2023 after flashing 5-tool potential as a rookie in 2022. But a foot fracture ended Cruz's sophomore season after just 32 games, robbing the lineup of his power and speed. Cruz batted .250 with 1 home run in 2023 after hitting .233 with 17 HRs and 13 steals over 87 games in 2022.
In his short career so far, Cruz has compiled 2.5 WAR with 19 home runs, 13 steals, a .237 batting average and .751 OPS over 372 at-bats. Getting a healthy Cruz back would give the Pirates an electric presence atop the order. His career 107 OPS+ shows there is potential for a real impact bat.
Speaking of infielders, utility man Tucupita Marcano has been given ample opportunity to earn a big league role but injuries hampered him in 2023. He hit .233 with 3 home runs over 202 at-bats, missing significant time. In his short career, Marcano has hit .217 with 5 HRs and 7 steals over 406 at-bats while posting a 63 OPS+. He'll need to bounce back in 2024 to solidify his place on the Pirates roster with prospects rising behind him.