Skenes etched his name further into the Pirates history books on Monday night, September 9 when he passed Cy Blanton for most strikeouts by a Pittsburgh rookie in franchise history.

He finished the game, a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins, with nine strikeouts, giving him 151 for the season. He has done that in only 20 starts.

As a rookie, Skenes is averaging 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He also boasts a 2.10 ERA and only 2.3 walks per nine.

His manager, Derek Shelton, has been an MLB coach since 2005, spanning time with Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Minnesota before arriving in Pittsburgh. He has seen his share of greats.

“I can’t think of anybody I’ve seen that’s been that strikeout-heavy, especially early in their career,” Shelton said, per Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. “I’ve watched guys that have done it that have been elite pitchers throughout their careers, but I don’t know that I remember anybody being a rookie that has been like that.”

Paul Skenes Puts His Performance into Perspective

Skenes is only 22 years old, but he is used to the spotlight. He won the Men’s College World Series at LSU and was the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Months later, the Pirates selected him No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.

The rookie knows the right thing to say in a given situation. Monday was no different as he acknowledged his accomplishment while talking about staying in the moment.

“It’s a game and I think the biggest thing is focused on being in the moment and staying present,” Skenes said. “All that other stuff is cool, but I think that’s a product of being in the moment and staying present over the course of the season. Just executing individual pitches and then that kind of shows up when you start tallying that stuff up.”

But Skenes is human. Even a guy who inked a $9.2 million signing bonus at age 21 can step back and realize the weight of his accomplishments.

“That’s pretty dang cool every time,” Skenes told reporters, according to an ESPN wire story. “So, yeah, just keep showing up for the games. And hopefully, I mean, the goal is to keep giving them moments like that.”

Skenes Is Still Making the Most of his Rookie Season

As with any rookie pitcher, it’s reasonable to worry about Skenes’ innings count as September wears on. The Pirates are not in contention and one could forgive the organization for shutting him down rather than let him pitch in meaningless games.

Skenes isn’t ready for that.

“I’m 22. I’m conditioned to throw a lot of innings, I think,” he said, per ESPN.

Between Triple-A and the Majors this season, Skenes has thrown 147.1 innings. That’s only about 20 innings more than he threw last season between LSU and the Minor Leagues.

Assuming the Pirates stick to their current rotation schedule, Skenes will get three more starts, which should put him around the 165 inning mark. Looking ahead, that may be ideal for the Pirates. With 2025 being Skenes’ probable first full season in the majors, the Pirates would not want to have to worry about an innings limit. Especially if they are in contention down the stretch. 165 innings this year should make 180-200 next year doable.

And Skenes wants to make himself clear: He is not tired yet.

“I’m not tired, really,” he told Stumpf. “Not feeling anything abnormal. It’s just a matter of finishing in the sprint to the end here.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Paul Skenes Reflects on Setting Pirates Record: ‘Pretty Dang Cool’ appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Skenes has been appointment television ever since, and former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Jimmy Rollins doesn’t want it to end any time soon.

Appearing on Bleacher Report’s “Walk-Off,” he weighed in on whether the Pirates should shut down the guy who started the 2024 All-Star Game for the National League.

“I understand the reasoning behind [shutting him down],” Rollins said. “He’s getting used to the workload. But I think the numbers, the velocity, the results, will be the deciding factors. If the kid can go out there and handle this workload, let him go out there and see what he can do.”

Skenes, 22, has thrown only 98 innings in the majors this year. Combined with his 27.1 innings in Triple-A, however, he has already surpassed the most innings he’s ever thrown in a season (122.2 for LSU in 2023).

Paul Skenes Might Be Slowing Down

It’s possible that Skenes is starting to feel that fatigue. In three August starts, he has a 4.15 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. Those numbers are hardly alarming, but it’s also worth noting that his velocity has started to dip as well.

Skenes is averaging 98.8 mph on his fastball in 16 starts but hasn’t averaged that speed in an individual outing since July 5. His fastball has sat below 98 mph in each of his last two starts.

Skenes’ manager, Derek Shelton, urged fans not to panic about a couple sub-par performances. In his most recent start last Friday, August 16, Skenes gave up 2 runs in 6 innings but also walked a career-high four batters.

“He’s a major league pitcher that is dealing with things, and we saw a major league pitcher deal with something today and still give us a chance to win, which I give him credit for,” Shelton said after the game, per Jake Crouse of MLB.com.

Skenes also didn’t seem worried about his seeming lack of control.

“It wasn’t like I had no idea where it was going,” he explained. “I was just missing. I don’t know if it looks that way, but I knew I was close. Basically just had to keep throwing it to get it back.”

There’s Always an Injury Risk

Though Rollins said he still wanted to watch Skenes pitch, he acknowledged that it comes with a risk.

“You don’t want him to get hurt, and obviously the more innings you throw, the more stress you put on your arms, your back, your knees, the more likely he is to get hurt,” Rollins said.

But there’s an injury risk any time any pitcher takes the mound. That doesn’t apply only to rookies with a mounting innings count.

“It’ll take something very bad to happen, and we can’t control that,” Rollins said. “It could happen now; it could happen later. Whether he has one more start then you shut him down, it could happen in that start. Hopefully it doesn’t but I say let him keep going out there.”

There’s a financial element to this, which further complicates matters. As a competitor, Skenes no doubt wants to keep pitching. But is it in his best interest financially? He’s a rookie and still a couple years away from arbitration, but any setback could ultimately cost him millions.

“For you to try to control his legacy just because you have this innings limit on him, then you’re effecting that man’s future and ultimately he’s going to get paid regardless,” Rollins said. “[You] want to keep him healthy for that, but at the end of the day, it’s his career and his future, and you pray that he stays healthy because he’s gonna be a star in this game.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Jimmy Rollins Doesn’t Want Pirates to Shut Down Ace Pitcher appeared first on Heavy Sports.

This week, it was announced that not only was Skenes named to the NL All-Star team, but that he would be the starting pitcher in the game, becoming the first rookie pitcher to start in the All-Star game since the Dodgers’ Hideo Nomo in 1995.

Despite his incredible numbers—a 0.920 WHIP, 89 strikeouts in 66 innings—Skenes will take the field with a remarkable distinction among his fellow All-Stars. He will be the lowest-paid starter on either All-Star team and will be tied (with three others) for the distinction of lowest-paid in the group, at $740,000, the standard minimum rookie salary in MLB.

Paul Skenes Set a Record With $9.2 Million Bonus

Now, there is no reason to shed tears for Skenes. After he was drafted last year by the Pirates, he signed a record-breaking contract that included a bonus of $9.2 million, the most ever given to a draft pick by a healthy margin (Spencer Torkelson got $8.1 million in 2020 from the Tigers).

But under MLB rules, Skenes is likely to make pretty much the same amount for the next two seasons, as he is in pre-arbitration. His salary will then skyrocket once he hits arbitration in Years 3-6, after which he will be a free agent.

What will be interesting to see is whether the Pirates and Skenes come to an agreement on a long-term deal before then. He does not have much incentive to do so—he will likely set an arbitration record in Year 3 if he continues at his current pace. He is well set up to make a lot of money down the line.

Still, with the spate of injuries suffered by some of the biggest names in pitching in the past year, opting for some security by agreeing to a deal that throws out the remainder of Skenes’ pre-arbitration and arbitration years and cuts into a year or two of his potential free agency has some appeal.

Paul Skenes is the favorite for Rookie of the Year in the N.L., and both ROYs from 2022 agreed to long-term new contracts with their teams—eight years and $72 million for the Braves’ Michael Harris and 12 years, $209 million for the Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez.

Each could serve as a cautionary tale. They’ve locked up big contracts and security, but both Rodriguez and Harris have struggled with career-worst seasons here in Year 3.

Pirates Could Offer Massive Pre-Arb Contract

If the Pirates want to give Skenes a new deal, it would have to be a doozy. The folks at Spotrac discussed this shortly after Skenes was first elevated to the big leagues on the “Spotrac Podcast.”

Not only would the Pirates have to pony up the kind of six-year, $73 million (seven and $92 million including a team option) contract the Braves gave to Spencer Strider last year, they speculated, but they would have to double it.

Spotrac’s Mike Ginnitti suggests that the kind of deal Skenes could warrant in an early extension would be six years and $150 million. Spotrac MLB contracts expert Dan Soemann said he was at “80 to 100% of that” number, meaning $120-$150 million over four years for Skenes. That would shatter pre-arb contract records in baseball.

Either way, we’re not talking about the Pirates losing Skenes or needing to trade him any time soon. Pittsburgh will have control of Skenes for the next six years.

“Part of the thesis of Pittsburgh drafting him—obviously we see what he has developed into—but part of the thesis was, if he is a bona fide ace, Top-5 type pitcher in the league, the Pittsburgh Pirates are not gonna have access to that type of player cheap,” Spotrac’s Dan Soemann said.

“This path would be a fraction of that cost.  I think they’d be pretty happy getting six years of Paul Skenes as is. They would definitely be motivated to get an extension done but I’d be pretty shocked unless it is a record-setting, historic type of extension.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post MLB All-Star: Pirates’ Paul Skenes Has an Eye-Opening Salary appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Skenes is good, the rare top prospect who almost immediately pays off dividends. He was drafted with the first overall pick out of LSU last July, and at age 22, he is already looking like an ace.

As is always the case with bright young prospects toiling for small-market teams, one of the looming questions with Skenes is whether the Pirates can and will pay him—and how much. Skenes could go through the normal process of spending six seasons in pre-arbitration and arbitration, or the Pirates could get aggressive with him and make an early extension offer.

But for a pitcher who is laying out Skenes’ level of work, it would have to be a doozy—a record-setter, even.

Paul Skenes Is Baseball’s Top Prospect

That’s the view from the folks at Spotrac, who looked at Skenes’ early production and projected that not only would the Pirates have to pony up the kind of six-year, $73 million (seven and $92 million including a team option) contract the Braves gave to Spencer Strider last year, but they would have to double it.

Yes, double the contract of a player who went 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA and a league-high 281 strikeouts last season. Spotrac’s Mike Ginnitti suggests that the kind of deal Skenes could warrant in an early extension would be six years and $150 million.

Spotrac MLB contracts expert Dan Soemann, speaking on “The Spotrac Podcast,” said he was at “80 to 100% of that” number, meaning $120-$150 million over four years for Skenes. That would shatter pre-arb contract records in baseball.

But Skenes is showing he is worth it.

Earlier this month, Baseball America moved Skenes to the No. 1 spot on its prospects list, writing, “Skenes has pitched like a front-of-the-rotation starter from his first day in the majors. He held the Cubs hitless for six innings while striking out 11 in his second MLB start. He immediately became the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in the majors. … He’s continued to adjust and add to his arsenal year after year. He now throws his splinker almost as often as his fastball. He didn’t even use the pitch at LSU.”

Pirates Will Have 6 Years of Control

It would take a record-breaker to get Skenes to sign early. He would likely do well to go through the arbitration process, where he would have established himself as one of the top few pitchers in the game and be rewarded in kind.

Either way, we’re not talking about the Pirates losing Skenes or needing to trade him any time soon. Pittsburgh will have control of Skenes for the next six years.

“Part of the thesis of Pittsburgh drafting him—obviously we see what he has developed into—but part of the thesis was, if he is a bona fide ace, Top-5 type pitcher in the league, the Pittsburgh Pirates are not gonna have access to that type of player cheap,” Soemann said. “This path would be a fraction of that cost.  I think they’d be pretty happy getting six years of Paul Skenes as is. They would definitely be motivated to get an extension done but I’d be pretty shocked unless it is a record-setting, historic type of extension.”

The Pirates might want to buy out Skenes’ arbitration years, exchanging them for cost certainty, but Skenes might not have enough motivation to do so.

“I think the team would be motivated, and if it is a historic type contract, like maybe there would be more value in waiting four years and then trying to sign some sort of extension once we know what the financial landscape looks like at that point. But if you’re gonna, as a pitcher, lock in some sort of historic pre-arb extension I wouldn’t totally discount that,” he said.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Paul Skenes Projected for ‘Historic’ $150 Million Pirates Contract Offer appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Paul Skenes did just that through six innings in the Pirates’ 7-6 loss to the Giants on Thursday, May 24, limiting San Francisco to one run on six hits.

It was just the third career start for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, and it was apparent early on that he would not be able to replicate his dazzling performance from his second outing.

Five days prior, Skenes fired six innings of no-hit ball with 11 strikeouts and one walk. On Thursday, the first batter he faced singled to right. The first two hits he allowed were both erased by double plays, but his luck ran out in the fourth when Thairo Estrada came around to score after drawing a one-out walk.

For the game, Skenes had just three strikeouts and only (yes, only) hit 100 mph on a pitch four times. Still, it largely didn’t matter as Skenes protected a 5-1 Pirates lead.

“Obviously, it wasn’t his best, you know what I mean?” catcher Joey Bart told reporters after the game, per MLB.com reporter Alex Stumpf. “But if you can go out there and put that kind of performance on without your best stuff, then there’s definitely something to build on.”

Paul Skenes: ‘I Trust Myself’

For someone with only three games of Major League experience, Skenes has plenty of self-confidence. And why shouldn’t he? He already lights up the radar gun and has shown he can baffle big-league hitters. His third start was a learning experience — one that most starting pitchers would love to have to endure, given that he only gave up one run.

“Just gotta get back to what makes me good and trusting my stuff,” Skenes told Stumpf. “You’ll take your singles, but the odds of them getting four singles in a row, I trust myself over pretty much any lineup. It’s just playing the odds a little bit.”

His manager, Derek Shelton, saw the game as just another challenge Skenes has proven he could overcome.

“There’s going to be so many growing moments for him, but last start out he doesn’t give up any hits,” Shelton told the AP. “Then this start he has to navigate through traffic, he has to navigate through some veteran hitters. It’s definitely going to make him better.”

Bart added that it’s easy to forget how young Skenes is. At just 21 years old, the LSU alum didn’t even have a full year of minor league experience.

“I think everybody’s going to obviously expect him to just go out there and dominate everybody … and, there’s a good chance he does,” Bart added. “But, it’s really hard for a kid that was pitching in the SEC Tournament last year at this time. So, I really like the way he’s composed himself. I’ve been impressed.”

Pirates Can’t Hold On

Despite Skenes leaving the game with a four-run lead, the Giants were able to ruin his chance at a second straight win. San Francisco rallied for one irun n the seventh and five in the eighth, tattooing Hunter Stratton for. Five runs on five hits.

Matt Chapman delivered the big blow with a three-run home run in the eighth, bringing home Estrada and LaMonte Wade Jr., who both singled ahead of him.

Skenes acknowledged that if he hadn’t needed to labor through a couple of innings, he could have helped keep the Giants at bay a little longer.

“I wish it were a little bit more,” he said, per Stumpf. “Had a couple long innings, but there’s going to be those games. I thought I made do and put the team in the best position to win.”

Giants manager Bob Melvin saw Skenes’ exit as an opportunity for his team to climb back into it, according to MLB.com.

“The guy [Skenes] comes out of the game, and they’re a little limited down there,” he said. “We put together some really good at-bats, and we were tenacious really until the last out.”

Skenes is on track to start again on Wednesday, May 29 in an afternoon game against the Detroit Tigers.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Pirates P Paul Skenes Draws Praise After Grinding Through Start appeared first on Heavy Sports.

After the Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop dropped a pop-up in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants on May 21, leading to two Giants runs, he took his frustration out at the plate in historic fashion.

Cruz set two Statcast records in the Pirates’ come-from-behind 7-6 win on Monday, and neither was kind to poor, unassuming baseballs. He became the first Major League player in the Statcast era (2015-present) to record an exit velocity of 120 mph or greater in the same game and the first to have three balls leave his bat at 115 mph or more.

“I was really pissed off when I went to hit,” Cruz said through interpreter Stephen Morales, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. “I think that’s part of why I hit it so hard.”

His teammate, Nick Gonzales, even expressed some jealousy in watching the ease with which Cruz, who is still just 25 years old, can tattoo a ball.

“Speechless,” he said. “Honestly, seeing that, I’ve never seen anything like that. I was saying it’s a little frustrating because of how he hits it so hard so easily. It’s amazing to watch.”

A Hot Start to the Game

Just minutes after Cruz’s blunder, he smacked a line drive to right field at 1204 mph, just pass the dive of Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores. Two innings later, it was a 116.3 mph double. Cruz didn’t come around to score on either instance, but he did raise the eyebrows of some stat-savvy observers.

Cruz and the Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton have littered their names across the Statcast leaderboard. Stanton is the only other player with multiple 120-plus mph hits. Ronald Acuna Jr., Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez are the only other players to ever hit an exit velocity of 120 mph or greater.

Cruz just happened to do it twice in the same game.

“I can try to do that same thing, but I mean, that’s probably like his butt-out swing. That’s my top velo,” Jared Triolo told reporters after the game.

After a lackluster start to the season, Cruz’s 3-5 effort against the Giants made him 17-53 with seven doubles and three home runs over his last 13 games.

Oneil Cruz Comes Up in the Clutch

Cruz’s hardest hit came in one of the game’s biggest moments.

With the Pirates down 6-2 in the bottom of the 9th, Cruz laced a game-tying double to right field. The hit’s exit velocity clocked in at 121.5 mph, which was the fifth hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era, according to MLB’s Sarah Langs.

That hit brought the Pirates’ win probability from 19.5% to 63%, per MLB.

Fittingly, Cruz also owns the hardest-hit ball ever (122.4 mph), which he recorded on August 24, 2022.

“He stayed locked in,” manager Derek Shelton added after the game, according to Stumpf. “We had a play in the first we should have made. I think if you ask Oneil, he’s going to tell you he should have made it. But the thing about it is I think we’re seeing Oneil continuing to get better, continue to mature, because he did not let it affect him the rest of the game. His at-bats continue to be good, they continue to be solid, and he ended up getting the big hit to tie it there.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Shatters 2 Statcast Records in Win Over Giants appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Skenes features a dominant fastball with a velocity routinely sitting in the triple-digit range. He complements that with a sharp big-league-level sweeping slider and a pitch dubbed a “splinker,” a hybrid between a sinker and splitter that sits in the mid-90s and runs in on righties and away from lefties.

Skenes built his reputation in college over the last few years, showcasing his dominance with a remarkable 2.18 ERA and an eye-popping strikeout rate of over 36% throughout his collegiate career. His journey began at the Air Force Academy. It continued after a transfer to Louisiana State University, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Tigers to a national championship. In his final season, Skenes boasted an astounding 1.69 ERA across 122 innings, striking out 45% of batters faced.

The Pirates Have Stuck to Their Plan With Skenes

While Paul Skenes’ statistics may suggest he’s been ready for the big leagues for some time, his journey to MLB readiness has been carefully managed. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington and skipper Derek Shelton have been vocal about the plan to stretch out Skenes’ pitch count properly. Despite making seven starts, he’s been limited to less than four innings per outing. He hasn’t exceeded 75 pitches in a game, with his pitch count only surpassing 65 in late April.

This cautious approach serves a purpose. The Pirates have been methodically stretching out Skenes, gradually increasing his workload while prioritizing his long-term health. Developing his stamina is crucial for his success at the major league level, and the team is keen on achieving this without risking injury.

Although his most recent Triple-A start wasn’t his finest, Skenes showcased his potential in the previous outing. Against the Buffalo Bisons on April 30, he delivered a stellar performance, allowing zero runs on four hits across a season-high six innings while tallying seven strikeouts and issuing just one walk.

The Future Is Arriving in Pittsburgh

The Pirates currently sit in fourth place in the NL Central, five full games behind the division-leading Brewers and Cubs. But the Pirates are constructing one of the most exciting young pitching staffs in major league baseball. The Pirates’ rotation is anchored by Mitch Keller, whose contract was extended this spring, and rookie Jared Jones.

Skenes’ arrival in the Pirates’ rotation coincides with the emergence of fellow rookie RHP Jared Jones, who appears poised to establish himself as a top-tier arm. At just 22 years old, Jones was already a top-100 prospect heading into the season. His performance thus far has been stellar, boasting a 2.63 ERA, a striking 33.8% strikeout rate, and an impressive 3.2% walk rate across 41 innings pitched.

With the addition of Skenes, this trio has the potential to form the core of the Pirates’ rotation for the foreseeable future in Pittsburgh. Skenes is slated to make his highly anticipated MLB debut on May 11 when the Pirates play host to the Chicago Cubs.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Paul Skenes Scheduled to Make Highly Anticipated Major League Debut appeared first on Heavy Sports.

“I already have my outfits picked out,” Dunne, who is also a TikTok sensation, told TMZ in an interview, saying she had “no clue” when Skenes would make his major-league debut.

The Pirates are exercising caution with the phenom, who has been dominant in Triple-A Indianapolis in what is expected to be his first full season as a professional.

“With Paul, we’ve been very intentional about how we’re building his volume coming into the season with a goal of really accomplishing two things,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington on April 14, according to MLB.com. “One is to try to get him to an appropriate total volume for 2024 coming off last year, when he pitched a full college season and then just a little bit of pro ball.”

Dunne has been in a relationship with Skenes since last summer, according to TMZ, and she called Skenes “a great guy, and we support each other through everything. He definitely makes me a better person.”

Pure Dominance From Paul Skenes

In professional baseball, no player has asserted dominance quite like Skenes, the first overall pick of the 2023 MLB draft. In four starts through April 23, Skenes has been virtually untouchable, tallying 27 strikeouts while allowing a mere five hits across 12 2/3 innings. His ERA stands at a flawless 0.00. Facing 47 batters, Skenes has boasted an eye-popping strikeout rate of 57.4%, leaving no doubt about his ability to overpower minor-league hitters.

Scouts, coaches and fans are excited about Skenes’s meteoric rise. In an age where fastball velocity is at an all-time high, Skenes, who turns 22 on May 29, has taken it to another level for a starting pitcher.

Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo tweeted that Skenes’ 100.2 mph average eclipses of established major-leaguers Hunter Greene (98.1) and Jordan Hicks and Jared Jones (97.1).

The Pirates Have a Plan in Place

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said he understood that Skenes’ big-league debut is one of the most anticipated in quite some time, but he explained the importance of having a plan.

“There is a plan in place. I know sometimes people want to expedite that plan, and I understand that that’s human nature,” Shelton said in a press conference with MLB media. “But, we just feel there are steps he needs to take before we ultimately make that decision.”

Shelton also discussed getting Skene’s pitch count up before his MLB debut. “I think the efficiency of his pitches is something we’re gonna continue to talk about,” Shelton said. “But we just have to get his volume built up.”

Skenes has pitched into the 4th inning in only two of his four starts, and his max pitch count so far this season has been 65 pitches, which came in his last outing on April 18.

An underlying motive remains unspoken: the coveted gain of an additional year of contractual control over the budding phenom. By orchestrating his debut after a designated date, the Pirates position themselves strategically in terms of long-term roster management.

Barring unforeseen setbacks, Pirates fans and Dunne won’t have to wait long to see Skenes on an MLB mound. The stage appears set for Skenes to debut sometime in early May. The anticipation surrounding his arrival has been palpable since his dominance in the SEC days at LSU, where he left a trail of destruction with his blazing fastball and formidable secondary arsenal.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Olivia Dunne Eagerly Awaits MLB Debut of Phenom Boyfriend Paul Skenes appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The former second-round pick was slated to become a free agent following the 2025 season. It is the second-largest deal in franchise history. Earlier this week, Keller told reporters he wanted to remain in Pittsburgh for the long haul.

With Keller under control for the next six years, the Pirates don’t have to worry about replacing their ace. Now, Keller’s focus will be leading Pittsburgh back to the postseason.

Keller’s Stellar 2023 Campaign

Although Keller struggled during his first few years in the majors, he was a different pitcher in 2023. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native struck out 210 batters and made his first NL all-star team. He also set career highs in innings pitched with 194.1 and wins with 13.

Additionally, he made 18 quality starts last year. While his ERA rose in the second half, Keller was one of the few arms the Pirates could rely on to take the ball every fifth day. That was reflected in his usage as he finished fourth in the National League in innings pitched.

Pirates Continue to Extend Young Core

With another extension in place, the Pirates have now signed three members of their young core. Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds have both signed extensions in the last two years that could go through the 2030 season. The talented trio should provide Pirates fans with plenty of exciting moments.

This deal is important for the Pirates because of the young pitching on the way. Former first-overall pick Paul Skenes could make his MLB debut this year. Prospects such as Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler and Anthony Solometo are not far behind. With Keller leading the rotation they will have a veteran to learn from.

Why the Pirates Choose to Invest in Keller

While Keller has proven that he can be an above average pitcher, the Pirates have also been impressed by his personality. That was evident when Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting talked with TribLive on Thursday.

“While I obviously can’t comment on the contract at this point, what I can say is that Mitch Keller is not only a really strong pitcher who will be important for the Pirates for a long time but a remarkable human being,” Nutting told TribLive. “The intangibles that Mitch brings, in terms of head and heart, in terms of commitment to the club, in terms of attitude and in terms of leadership really make a huge impact on not only who we are now but who we should be as we go forward.”

What to Expect From Mitch Keller in 2024

As Keller looks to build on his success, the expectations will be higher. However, it is a challenge he is ready for. Last year, the 27-year-old avoided the injured list and made his first opening-day start. That is a trend the Pirates hope continues.

For Keller, the goal for this season will be to improve his stamina. During the 2023 campaign, he had an ERA under 4.00 before the All-Star Break. As the innings added up, fatigue set in. However, as the Pirates showed on Thursday, they are confident that great things are in store.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Pirates Sign Mitch Keller to 5-Year Extension: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.

While Henry Davis is still expected to get most of the action behind the plate, he now has someone to learn from in Grandal.

In 118 games for the White Sox last year, Grandal posted a .234 batting average and drove in 33 runs. He also showed that he still had some power left, as 20 of his 85 hits went for extra bases.

While the Havana, Cuba, native has struggled the last two years, he will serve as a mentor to Davis. The former No. 1 overall pick is expected to see more time behind the plate this season.

Yasmani Grandal’s Impressive Resume

During the first 10 years of his career, Grandal was one of the best catchers in baseball. From 2012-2021, he posted an .807 OPS and hit 172 home runs. He also impressed behind the plate, recording 74 Defensive Runs Saved. The only catchers ranked ahead of him were Buster Posey, Yadier Molina and Roberto Pérez, according to MLB.com.

Additionally, Grandal reached the 20-home run mark five times in that span. He was also an NL-All-Star in 2015 and 2019. The Pirates are hoping that he can rediscover some of his old form.

H0w Yasmani Grandal Fits Into the Roster

While the Pirates did not enter the offseason needing a catcher, their depth has been tested. Prospect Endy Rodríguez is out for the 2024 campaign following Tommy John surgery. That left Davis and Jason Delay as the top internal options. While Davis was drafted as a catcher, he spent most of his time in the majors last year in the outfield.

Despite his drop in production, Grandal has a track record of success that Davis can lean on. Last year, Davis caught just two innings behind the plate. Davis has only started 92 games as a catcher in his professional career, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Grandal’s Dip in Production

After an impressive start to his career, Grandal has not been the same player of late. Over the last two years, he has posted a slash line of .219/.305/.306. During that stretch, he only hit 13 home runs in 781 plate appearances.

Additionally, Grandal struggled defensively. He only caught runners stealing 15% of the time last year, the third-lowest total of his career. As a result, his career with the White Sox came to a disappointing end.

How Grandal Brings Value

Due to the presence of Davis, the Pirates don’t need Grandal to be an All-Star to be a valuable piece. As long as he bounces back in some form, the Pirates will be happy with their investment. He can also play first base, giving the Pirates another way to get his bat back in the lineup.

Regardless of his numbers, how Grandal helps Davis will be closely watched. The Louisville product has a chance to show that he can handle the workload of an MLB catcher. With Grandal on board, the Pirates catching duo could be fun to watch.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Pirates Sign Former 1st-Round Catcher for Depth Behind Henry Davis appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The Pirates will be the sixth team of Chapman’s career, with the 35-year-old having played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers since his MLB debut in 2010. The left-hander signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Royals last offseason, but was traded to the Rangers on June 30, 2023, in one of the first moves of the trade deadline.

In 2023, Chapman went 6-5 with a 3.09 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 58.1 innings split between the Royals and Rangers. He pitched 8 innings during the Rangers’ postseason campaign, posting a 2.25 ERA with 6 strikeouts to help the team take home the first World Series title in franchise history.

Going into his 14th MLB season, Chapman’s fastball still averages 99.5 mph (99th percentile), but his walk rate has been above 14.5 percent in each of the last three seasons. Still, Chapman is likely to slot into the Pirates’ bullpen as a reliable high-leverage arm, joining two-time All-Star closer David Bednar.

Inside Aroldis Chapman’s Deal With the Pirates

On January 22, Chapman agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Pirates, according to Rosenthal. The team is yet to confirm the signing, which is expected to become official once Chapman passes a physical.

Contention Plans in Pittsburgh

The Pirates ended the 2023 season fourth in the NL Central with a record of 76-86. It was the team’s fifth consecutive losing season, having finished 62-100 in 2022, 61-101 in 2021, 19-41 in 2020, and 69-93 in 2019.

So far this winter, Pittsburgh has added Marco Gonzales, Rowdy Tellez, Martín Pérez, and Andrew McCutchen to their roster, either by way of trade or free agent signing, with Chapman joining as the latest acquisition. Still, the Pirates have work to do if they’re serious about playoff contention in 2024.

“I wish we were further along in this offseason than we are,” Nutting told Mackey on January 7. “I’ve seen how hard (general manager) Ben (Cherington) has pushed. I’ve seen how close we’ve gotten to some deals. But we’re only halfway through. I think there’s still time. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

In 2023, Pittsburgh’s bullpen posted a 4.27 ERA, ranking them 19th in MLB. Adding Chapman will almost certainly help the team in that area, as will Pérez if he’s able to get back to his 2022 form. The Pirates also desperately needed to add at least one starter this winter, and while Gonzales will join in the bottom half of the rotation, an ace is still on the priority list.

Having already missed out on free agent starters Sean Manaea and Yariel Rodriguez this offseason, Nutting’s optimism about 2024 isn’t without acknowledgement of the challenges ahead.

“It will take every bit of creative work to continue to improve the team,” he told Mackey. It’s tough. There are 29 other teams trying very hard with very good resources and very good teams. That’s what we’re waking up every day to compete against.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Pirates Retool Bullpen With $10.5 Million 7-Time All-Star appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Several fans on X, formerly Twitter, praised McCutchen for his hilarious and oddly sentimental movie meme announcing his return to the team that drafted him in 2005. The clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” shows Leonardo DiCaprio’s character yelling, “I’m not leaving!” and “This is my home!” to a room of adoring colleagues.

“Cutch is back! This video makes me want to run through a brick wall,” posted one fan on December 19.

“The baseball world is a better place when cutch is a pirate,” wrote one fan.

“Cutch is one of the easiest players to root for,” posted another.

Andrew McCutchen Signs 1-Year, $5 Million Deal With Pittsburgh Pirates

GettyPittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen rounds the bases

McCutchen made his debut for the Pirates in 2009 and has had one of the most productive careers in recent MLB history, slashing for .276/.369/.465 with 2,048 hits, 1,045 RBIs, 299 homers and 216 steals in 2,007 games.

“Last season, McCutchen recorded his 2,000th career hit on June 11 against the Mets and that made him the 12th player in Pirates history to record 2,000 hits,” Patrick Damp of CBS News wrote on December 20. “He was the first to do it since Willie Stargell did it in 1978.”

The Pirates traded him to the San Francisco Giants in 2018 and he played for the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers before returning to Pittsburgh on a one-year, $5 million contract last season.

After seeing an uptick in production at the plate in 2023 as a designated hitter, McCutchen suffered a partially torn achilles in early September and missed the end of the season. But as his recovery from the injury proceeds, he’s now agreed to another one-year, $5 million deal with the Pirates for 2024, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“In every discussion with Andrew, it was clear we both shared the same strong desire for him to remain a Pirate,” team chairman Bob Nutting said of the deal, per Damp. “He is a tremendous person, player and teammate. He is an all-time great Pirates player who represents our city with a deep sense of pride.”

Fans React to Andrew McCutchen’s Social Media Announcement, Return to Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are looking to build on a 76-86 record for 2023 that left them in fourth place in the National League Central Division. In addition to bringing back McCutchen, they’ve signed starting pitcher Martin Perez and first baseman Rowdy Tellez.

But without some more major acquisitions, it seems like the Pirates will struggle again in 2024, no matter how many memes their fan-favorite veteran deploys.

“The Pirates look like a 75-win team or so, but one with some players worth watching,” FanGraphs projected. “Even in a weak division, the Bucs would need a lot of luck to be relevant by the stretch drive. If they want to change that in 2024 without spending a lot of money, [General manager] Ben Cherington is going to have to put on his clever cap for the rest of the winter.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Fans Praise Andrew McCutchen’s Meme-Tastic Return to Pirates appeared first on Heavy Sports.