Every team that wants to be successful in the MLB, or any sport, needs star players and just really good players throughout the roster. The Pirates have clearly lacked this over the years. Now, however, they have some guys who are really intriguing with chances to be that, some in the majors already but more to come out of the minor leagues.
With that, I have compiled 10 players who are currently in the Pirates system, major and minor leaguers, that I feel are the most important pieces to this team’s success going forward.
Bryan Reynolds:
Going into the season, Reynolds was seen as their best player and be earned an extension due to that. He hasn’t been as good this season so far but he is no doubt one of the most important pieces to this organization going forward. He isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
Ke’Bryan Hayes:
Another player on a long-term extension that isn’t going anywhere soon. His defense is awesome but his offense is inconsistent and now there’s talk his back issues could perhaps be chronic in nature. He’s one of their cornerstone players though and he’s vitally important to this operation.
Oneil Cruz:
Nobody is denying that he has star power. It’s unfortunate that he got hurt so early this season and in his career overall. He has a real chance to be this team’s best player and a perennial all-star. He is supposed to be this team’s franchise shortstop for a long time.
Mitch Keller:
Keller has become a vital part of this organization slowly but surely. He was just in the all-star game and deservedly so. He’s become a very quality pitcher and one that deserves an extension so he can be a very good and very steady part of this rotation for years to come.
Andrew McCutchen:
McCutchen should retire a Pirate, whenever that is. I think he has more seasons in him after his one-year deal expires this winter. He should be back as long as he wants to play. There’s always a place for him since he’s still a really good player. I think his presence is perfect for this young team and what he means for this organization, the fans and the city as well cannot he ignored.
Henry Davis:
The 2021 1st overall pick has had a few weeks now in the big leagues and it looks like he can hold his own. He’s going to need to become a catcher too soon but the position versatility is fine to have given they’ll also have Endy Rodriguez soon. It’s as simple as they drafted him 1st overall. They need that guy to be successful in a big way considering the investment.
Endy Rodriguez:
Speaking of Endy Rodriguez, he is their other top catching prospect that should be up very soon. He also brings positional versatility that may be utilized too much early in his big league career but he and Davis have to eventually settle in as a catching tandem with versatility to do other things when the other one is catching. That’s the ideal. The Pirates haven’t solved their catching situation in a big way under Cherington except for one random good season from Stallings but then they traded him after (in hindsight a good decision). It’s time to solve that issue for a long time.
Quinn Priester/Jared Jones:
Both of these guys are in AAA. Priester will be up very soon while Jones looks more like a next year callup. At least one of these guys working out can give the Pirates a gigantic boost to their team. It’s hard to find quality pitching and buying it on the market takes a lot unless you get lucky. Having it built within the organization is a key to success consistently. The best teams have that going for them.
Anthony Solometo:
Drafted by the Pirates in 2021 as a high school arm, it is impressive that Solometo is already in AA with a real chance to make it up to the big leagues next season. He’s going up the system fast and he’s rising fast as a prospect too, in the top 100 on some lists. He’s important in a lot of ways due to the pitching thing I mentioned with Priester and Jones but also that he is a lefty. The Pirates don’t have many of those in the system set to make an impact. A high-end lefty in the rotation is what this team needs. Solometo has potential for that.
Paul Skenes:
Just drafted number 1 overall by the Pirates, Skenes figures to have a fast track to the majors. The smart money would be on next year by June for his debut in Pittsburgh but he could push for earlier for sure. Davis is important as a top overall pick too but Skenes is even more important as one as he’s seen as a generational talent with ace written all over him. The other pitchers I mentioned might work out but they may still be missing something if Skenes doesn’t. Maybe it’s crazy hyperbole at this stage but this guy has a chance to be the best pitcher the Pirates have ever had. The expectations are lofty and he has to hit them for this thing to work.
The one you will notice left out is David Bednar. I really like him and he’s one of their best players right now. He maybe should be on the list too due to his impact on the field and culturally as a Pittsburgh native. He just missed the cut for me here due to the fact that he’s a reliever and the reality is that due to that, his value of importance is slightly less everyday position players and starting pitchers. That isn’t to say he isn’t a vital piece too though.
The Pirates have slowly built a foundation that has a lot to be excited for and it looks like it could all be coming together sooner rather than later finally. To me, these players listed are the 10 (or 11) most important players the organization has right now for the immediate future of this club.
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