No one expected much from the Pittsburgh Pirates this year.
Coming off consecutive 100-loss seasons, why would anything be different?
Then the Pirates started winning. And they’ve kept on winning, even after losing young star Oneil Cruz to a broken ankle on April 9.
They’ve flown under the radar most of the season. As recently as last Monday, MLB.com ranked the Bucs No. 24 in their weekly power rankings.
Yet the Pirates have become impossible to ignore now. After a 2-0 win Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates have now won seven consecutive games, the longest streak in baseball. It’s their longest winning streak since 2018, and at 16-7 they’re off to their best start since 1992.
Pittsburgh now has the second-best record in baseball, behind only the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Pirates are hitting, ranking in the top 10 in most offensive categories. Their staff ERA (3.63) is eighth-best in baseball. The return of longtime star Andrew McCutchen and the addition of veterans such as first basemen Carlos Santana and Ji-man Choi, outfielder Connor Joe, pitcher Rich Hill, and catcher Austin Hedges has paid dividends.
Young stars such as Bryan Reynolds, Mitch Keller, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Ji-hwan Bae, Jack Suwinski, and Rodolfo Castro have all played key roles. 2022 All-Star closer David Bednar has been even better this season.
Add it all up and the Pirates have been fun to watch for the first time in years. To say the MLB world did not see this coming is an understatement. After back-to-back 100-loss seasons, manager Derek Shelton began the season on several “Managers on the Hot Seat” lists.
Now, he’s been rewarded with a contract extension, thanks to the Pirates’ red-hot start.
Pirates fans are loving it, and finally, the MLB world is taking notice of the renaissance in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh @Pirates:
-Have won 7 straight games
-Are 16-7
-Starting pitchers have a 2.15 ERA over their last 13 games (best in MLB) pic.twitter.com/qbgeYMZt3f— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2023
I’m going to say this while I can. The Pittsburgh Pirates are in first place, with the 2nd best record in MLB.
And it is glorious! pic.twitter.com/LngsBM6tlx
— Saxon Walker @saxonwaker.bsky.social (@walker_saxon) April 24, 2023
The last time the Pittsburgh Pirates were in the World Series was 1979. Think of it as two generations of fans who have no real Bucs’ memories. They have to read about Bill Mazeroski & the greatest WS home run, Roberto Clement, Willie Stargell, and other Way Back Machine stories.
— Tom Craig (@LTDManagement) April 24, 2023
New GM’s product is starting to show on the field. A bright new era for the Pirates,I hope!
— WASITACATISAW (@JoeVandevander) April 23, 2023
Its good to see Pittsburgh playing well. Hope they can keep it up all year. It’s good for the city and its also good for the game of baseball.
— Joe R. (@SerialSniper00) April 23, 2023
This has been so fun to watch as a Pirates fan!🏴☠️🏴☠️
— Nathan Osler (@nathan_osler) April 23, 2023
The best record in the National League belongs to… the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Say it now while you still can.
— Chicago sports enjoyer (@ChicagoMid) April 24, 2023
Can’t believe I am saying this, but are the #pittsburghpirates are actually looking LEGIT??? I am not 100% sold tho until the all-star break has passed…
RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!!!— JasonsRealm (@RealmJasons) April 24, 2023
[ESPN]
