Last year, the Pirates and their fans were hopeful that they'd be able to retain free-agent catcher Russell Martin. Then, Martin went home, as the Canadian signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, creating a hole — at the time — at catcher for the Pirates. This year, the big question was whether or not the Pirates would be able to retain free agent pitcher J.A. Happ, and according numerous reports, the Pirates and Happ had mutual interest in signing a deal to keep the 33-year-old left-handed ... Read More
Pirates set 40-man roster
The Pittsburgh Pirates added four players to their 40-man roster and protected them from Rule 5 draft eligibility on Friday. Top pitching prospect Tyler Glasnow was named to the 40-man roster and will be joined by infielders Josh Bell and Max Moroff, as well as outfielder Harold Ramirez. Glasnow finished the season at the Triple-A level posting a 7-5 record with a 2.39 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 22 minor league starts between Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis. A fifth-round draft pick of ... Read More
Pirates keeping options open with Cervelli
Francisco Cervelli’s future with the Pirates is at a crossroads. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported Thursday that the Pittsburgh was listening to offers on all seven players with one year left on their deal with the club, including the Pirates’ catcher. Heyman also said the Pirates are considering signing Cervelli to an extension. The Pirates appear to be considering all options with Cervelli. And they should. Heyman’s rumor did not specifically address Cervelli’s availability other than ... Read More
Starling Marte wins first Gold Glove Award
There's been talk over the past few years that Starling Marte should move to center field, as he's the superior defender. On Tuesday night, he has the hardware to back it up, as he won his first career Gold Glove Award for his play in left field for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Marte beat out Justin Upton of the San Diego Padres and Christian Yelich of the Miami Marlins to take home the award. Marte's arm was a big reason for winning the award, as he led all National League outfielders with 16 ... Read More
COLUMN: Pirates lose more than a player in bidding for Byung-Ho Park
Jung-Ho Kang, our pick as the 2015 most valuable Pirates player, brought to Pittsburgh an abundance of new fans, new culture and most importantly, new financial opportunity. The Nexen Heroes, Kang’s former team, listed Byung-Ho Park on their posting system on November 2. Not too long after, rumors began to swirl on whether or not Park could adjust to MLB pitching, and what teams were involved in buying the rights negotiate with him. The 29-year-old of Buan County, South Korea is a two-time ... Read More
Pirates decline option on Radhames Liz
As they prepare to gear up for the offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates started doing some roster cleaning on Thursday. The Bucs declined a club option on right-hander Radhames Liz, making him a free agent. Pirates' general manager Neal Huntington took a gamble on the 32-year old Liz this past offseason and it turned out to be one of the few moves Huntington has made during the past few years that didn't pan out. Liz received a Major League deal with a $1 million guarantee with the Bucs ... Read More
2015 most valuable Pirates player: There’s only one
By process of elimination, it should be fairly clear who the top player on this list is. A debate can be made for positioning on this list, but ultimately this was the final determination. Really, if any of the players on this top-10 list was on another team, a case may be made for them to get the top spot. The Pittsburgh Pirates were a very talented team and this makes the list difficult to compile. #1 Jung Ho Kang- Let's forget about what Jung Ho Kang did for a second and look at how the ... Read More
POLL: Which Pirates player should win the Gold Glove Award?
Three Pirates were nominated for the Gold Glove Award at their respective position, but which one deserves to take home the award? [poll id="150"] ... Read More
Should the Pirates follow the Royals model in off-season?
Sometimes breaking tradition is good. Sometimes plans need to be changed. Maybe it is time for the Pittsburgh Pirates to alter their course. General manager Neal Huntington’s blueprint to success has been clear since he was hired in 2008: Flood the system with prospects. Overspend in the draft and spend money on international players. Trade major league players when their value is high to get prospects in return and limit money on free agents and trade acquisitions to players they feel ... Read More
McCutchen takes home Clemente Award
Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen is the winner of the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award. The Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player that "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.” For McCutchen, winning the award was special, not only because of the honor in being selected, but because of who it is named after. “I feel like it means a bit more to me ... because of it being ... Read More