It’s no secret the Pirates are not playing well this season.
They’re currently in the first steps of a complete team rebuild and are 42-79, in last place in the National League Central 31.5 games back of first.
The Chicago Cubs, fourth in the Central are 11 games in front of the Pirates.
While they’re in last, they’re still not the worst team in baseball this season.
That dubious honor goes to the Baltimore Orioles, who are currently 38-82.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are next with a 41-81 record but has won 6 of their last ten.
The Texas Rangers are tied with the Pirates record wise.
The Pirates have had seven 100-loss seasons since 1917 and it is becoming more likely 2021 will be the eight.
As Ron Cook puts it, “the Pirates are 1-13 in their last 14 games, they are 6-23 in their last 29 games.”
“After the games of April 27, the Pirates were 12-11, since then . . . the Pirates have gone 30-68,” added Cook.
There are still 41 games left in the 2021 season and a lot can happen, but for the Pirates is appears it will be more losing.
With the Pirates obviously being out of contention, the focus is on individual players.
Outfielder Bryan Reynolds is still playing up to his All-Star nod, batting .306 with 21 homeruns and 72 RBI.
While is fielding is still stellar, Ke’Bryan Hayes isn’t playing at the level it was believed he could. There was even Rookie of the Year talk at the beginning of the season.
Currently batting .253 with 25 RB and five homeruns, Hayes could be still dealing is lingering issues with his wrist that was injured in the second game of the year.
Wrists are a tricky injury and can really impact a player at the plate.
The Pirates plan for Reynolds and Hayes to be a part of the next competitive Pirates team, and most everyone else in currently in the system.
The good news is brighter days are ahead with the Pirates being ranked the 4th best overall system in the Majors and by the end of the season, could be one or two.
First overall draft pick Henry Davis is off to a great start in High-A and players like Quinn Priester, Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales continue to make progress in the Minors.
The bottom line for Pirates fans is basically, be patient.