How will the Pirates do this season? Fan personalities predict that losses will pile up but there is optimism for the future.
Pirates Pre and Postgame host Kraig Riley
Prediction: 57-105
Ben Cherington will keep doing the same thing during the season that he did this offseason, get rid of any veteran he can to get prospects with high-ceilings in return.
That's the correct way to build a franchise, but it doesn't do any favors for your major league club...and that's OK right now.
But if you're looking at the Vegas over/under number for the team, it's 59.5, the lowest win total in the league. It's always tempting to take the over in that situation, but with this team, most guys that would contribute to them winning more games than expected are likely to be traded (Adam Frazier, Todd Frazier, etc.)
That being said, give me the under. I'll take the Pirates to go 57-105.
Pirates Pre and Postgame host Dan Zangrilli
Prediction: 71-91
I don't believe the Pirates are a 100-loss team, as many claim. In fact, I think they have an outside shot to not lose 90 games. An optimistic outlook is 71-91.
Consistent results from starting rotation will likely be the most frustrating aspect of 2021 as it pertains to on-field results.
However, as a fan, I'd recommend watching from the lens of skill development and progress from contractually controllable players.
This will be paramount in 2021, and far more important than any competitive element of the game this year. This includes players throughout the minor league system quickly rising to through the ranks of the farm system and to the MLB level faster than ever before.
On the current big league roster budding stars, especially pitchers take steps forward in the player-centric development system Ben Cherington has touted?
Will Ke'Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds be stalwarts in an offense that can be the foundation of consistent run production?
On the mound, will Mitch Keller break through and assume 'ace' status? These are the storylines of 2021 for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Colin Dunlap – Fan Morning Show
Prediction: 57 -105
I think this will be the “rock bottom” season in the Pirates rebuild as it will be full of growing pains and shaped more by the development of young players than any win total. Let’s hope Hayes can continue on his progression — that’s really the main story for me.
Chris Mack – Fan Morning Show
60-102
I like math. Or at least the idea of math helping us find answers to difficult questions. This doesn’t make me much fun at parties, but it’s good for trying to solve nearly unanswerable questions like “Just how bad a baseball team will the ‘21 Pirates be?”
If we figure a replacement-level team will get you 48-50 wins, KeBryan Hayes is worth 4-5 WAR and their pitching staff is cumulatively worth maayyybe 5-6 WAR before pieces worth anything are shipped out at the deadline, but that in right field, at first base, and in the middle infield (once Adam Frazier is gone) they’re going to be negative 1-3 WAR, you land at 54-60 wins.
For some reason I’m feeling positive and like the upper end of that range.
Jim Colony – Fan Morning Show/ Fan reporter
Prediction: 63-99
I’m being nice and not giving them 100 losses, partially because I think they will hit better than people expect.
Kevin Newman will not hit .700 and Adam Frazier won’t hit .500 but, along with Ke’Bryan Hayes, they will provide a nice 1-2-3 punch at the top of the order, at least until Frazier is traded for prospects.
Bryan Reynolds will also bounce back and Colin Moran/Gregory Polanco will drive in some runs.
The bullpen will be solid. The problem will be getting to that bullpen because the starting pitching is woeful and could be a disaster.
Chris Mueller – PM Team
Prediction: 55-107.
It's tough to predict that many losses for any team, but if anything, the Pirates' record might turn out to be even worse.
There is no established starting pitching to speak of, and some of it will begin the season unavailable.
Outside of Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds and Kevin Newman, just about any player who performs well at the plate is trade bait.
Ben Cherington has the right idea - try to restock the farm system with as much talent as possible - and I like that his approach favors big rewards (and big risks) more than lower-ceiling talent, but in terms of this year's on-field product, things won't be great.
That's how it's supposed to go in a rebuild, but the knowledge that there is a plan in place is a small comfort when the losses are piling up.
Jeff Hathhorn – Fan Reporter
Prediction: 63-99
While the Pirates have the best rookie in baseball at third base and a couple of hitters, Bryan Reynolds and Kevin Newman, who likely will revert more to 2019 than 2020.
They are a team with little starting pitching and still many holes to fill.
If Ben Cherington stays true to his plan, any free agent or soon-to-be free agent assets will at least be dangled in trades if not traded all together.
This season is not a reflection of a step backwards, rather the growing pains to try and build a winner in a small market.
Andrew Limberg – Fan Website Writer
Prediction: 67-95
Maybe it’s the eternal optimism that comes with the beginning of a new season, but I don’t’ think the Pirates will be a 100 loss team in 2021. Run production from Ke’Bryan Hayes, Adam Frazier and Kevin Newman should be there and with help from a rebounding Gregory Polanco and Colin Moran, they should produce enough to win at least 60 games.
The problem is, along with the inexperience of the offense, is pitching. Nothing against Chad Kuhl, he could be a solid #3 or 4 starter in the rotation, but its telling when you have him penciled in as your Opening Day guy. Steven Brault would’ve likely been given the nod but he is currently dealing with a lat strain that will keep him out possibly into middle to late May. But again, Brault is not a #1 guy, he’s a solid 2 or 3 in the rotation.
Pirates fans have plenty of practice not focusing on wins and losses and 2021 will be another year of finding other things to cheer for like the development of Ke’Bryan Hayes and continued moves by Cherington to bring this club back to post season baseball, something I think he can do in a few more seasons.