PITTSBURGH — It was nothing if not an eventful first half of the season for the Pirates.
I may maintain going, however why stay prior to now?
There are nonetheless 65 video games to go and loads of questions nonetheless to ask in regards to the Pirates. At the moment, we’re going to have a look at among the high storylines for the second half of the season.
One objective for the season: Play profitable ball the remainder of the best way
This season hasn’t gone as deliberate, however there’s nonetheless hope that the Pirates can rebound and compete in 2026. They’re going to want to play higher baseball within the second half to encourage confidence. In the event that they play nicely, it will go an extended solution to cementing Don Kelly because the supervisor and that they only want so as to add to the Main League roster reasonably than revamp it.
Commerce Deadline technique: Promote, and possibly aggressively
The Pirates have a number of gamers on expiring contracts who would slot in nicely for a contender: Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andrew Heaney, Caleb Ferguson, Adam Frazier and the red-hot Tommy Pham. They’re additionally one of many few groups that has controllable pitchers up for grabs. They don’t have to commerce Mitch Keller, David Bednar or Dennis Santana, but when they do, they may command a haul.
Key participant down the stretch: Keller
Keller is a frontrunner of the rotation and has been one of many staff’s most constant performers all yr. He’s additionally arguably the highest pitcher on the commerce block forward of the Deadline. His destiny could possibly be an indicator of how shut the Pirates really feel they’re to competing. The Pirates may roll into subsequent yr with maybe the very best high 4 in baseball: Keller, Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones. In addition they want extra hitters and a Keller commerce may assist accomplish that.
Prospect to observe: RHP Bubba Chandler (PIT No. 1 prospect, MLB No. 5)
A June swoon has saved Chandler within the Minors longer than anticipated, however the Pirates’ high pitching prospect has regarded higher of late and needs to be knocking on the door to the Majors once more very quickly. His command has been lower than constant this yr, however there’s no denying that he has among the finest stuff within the system and the objective has all the time been that when he will get known as as much as the Majors, he stays up.
What to observe for within the second half
Shifting previous the storylines, what are among the most necessary sequence within the second half of the season?
Video games remaining: 65 (Residence, 34; Away, 31)
Remaining power of schedule: .491, twenty third in MLB, twelfth in NL, fourth in NL Central
July 28-30: Three-game highway sequence in San Francisco: The ultimate days forward of the Commerce Deadline ought to yield offers and doubtlessly important adjustments to the roster.
Aug. 22-24: Three-game sequence towards Rockies. It’s the Pirates’ Corridor of Fame sequence the place the membership will induct Kiki Cuyler, Vern Regulation and Al Oliver into staff immortality.
Sept. 23-28: Six-game highway journey at Cincinnati and Atlanta. The Pirates have struggled on the highway and a ultimate journey is a ultimate probability to complete the yr robust.
