The Pittsburgh Pirates are in a rebuilding phase. Since their star Andrew McCutchen left the team after the 2017 season, things are not looking good at Steel Town. The Pirates last made the postseason in 2015.
They finished with a 62-100 record in 2022, marking the fourth straight year the team has failed to earn the equivalent of 70 wins. They finished with a 19-41 record in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
Successive losing seasons can be an incredibly demoralizing experience for a city, fans and, of course, players. However, there are some positives to be gleaned from poor performance if you look hard enough.
Given that the Pittsburgh Pirates had one of the worst records in MLB last year, they received, along with the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics, the most entries in last December’s draft lottery.
The inaugural MLB lottery draft took place last year. The teams with the worst records have their numbers written on ping-pong balls and drawn randomly. After the December lottery in San Diego, the Pittsburgh Pirates received their second first overall pick in three seasons.
“Raúl Ibáñez announces picks six through the first pick in the 2022 MLB Draft Lottery, where the Pirates and Nationals go for the first pick and the Pirates win the first lottery” – @ Mr Mathew CFB
The Pittsburgh Pirates had one of the worst pitches in the league last season. Out of 30 teams, they ranked 25th in ERA, 28th in fewest runs allowed, and 26th in WHIP. It goes without saying that pitching should be a priority for the Pirates heading into the June draft.
University of Tennessee pitcher Chase Dollander seems to fit the bill. Last season, Dollander compiled a 10-0 record, putting up a mere 2.39 ERA in 79 innings pitched. Although he has been compared to New York Yankees star Gerrit Cole, Dollander is only 21 and he likely won’t be MLB-ready for at least a few years.
“10 days until Tennessee Baseball. Reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-American Chase Dollander went 𝟭𝟬-0 last year.” -@Callum
Pittsburgh Pirates look at one player to base their rebuild
Although the Pittsburgh Pirates will see McCutchen return for a farewell season, the 36-year-old will be a shadow of his former self for this team. Consequently, the Pirates must put their eggs in the basket of the future.
Rich Hill is the oldest player in baseball and is also leading the Pirates’ rotation this year. To be competitive, the Pirates need a makeover, and a player like Dollander will make it easier to facilitate.
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