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Paul Skenes' Remarkable Rookie Season: Could He Still Win ROY?

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The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the 2024 season with high hopes, but despite flirting with postseason contention, they find themselves back at the bottom of the NL Central. It’s a familiar position for the Pirates, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2015. While the team is still rebuilding, there’s reason for optimism. Young stars like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/oneil-cruz/58133">Oneil Cruz</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/paul-skenes/60045">Paul Skenes</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jared-jones/58736">Jared Jones</a> offer hope for the future. Additionally, the presence of veteran outfielder <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/bryan-reynolds/58143">Bryan Reynolds</a> provides the Pirates with a consistent offensive threat as they look to build a competitive roster.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/picks"> MLB Game Picks</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/player-props">MLB Prop Picks.</a>

Pirates Struggle Despite Potential in 2024

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/bryan-reynolds/58143">Bryan Reynolds</a> has been a key part of the Pirates’ lineup since his debut, and 2024 was no different. Hitting .277 with 22 home runs, Reynolds continues to be one of the top offensive outfielders in the National League. After signing an eight-year extension last season, Reynolds is under contract through 2030, giving the Pirates a steady offensive presence as they continue to develop young talent. At 29, Reynolds is in his prime, but the Pirates need to act fast if they want to capitalize on his best years.
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Bryan Reynolds – The Pirates’ Steady Offensive Star

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/oneil-cruz/58133">Oneil Cruz</a> brings electrifying athleticism to the Pirates. The 6’7” shortstop-turned-center-fielder boasts incredible speed and arm strength, ranking in the 99th percentile for arm strength and the 88th percentile for sprint speed. While his defensive transition to center field has been promising, Cruz’s offensive performance has been inconsistent. His strikeout rate and whiff percentage are among the highest in the league, but his power potential remains undeniable. With a career-high .269 average, 18 home runs, and 17 stolen bases in 2024, Cruz has the tools to become a future star if he can refine his approach at the plate.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/">Just Baseball.</a>

Oneil Cruz – A Rising Star with Unlimited Potential

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jared-jones/58736">Jared Jones</a> has quickly emerged as one of the Pirates' most promising young pitchers. Despite dealing with injuries in 2024, Jones has posted a 3.91 ERA with 106 strikeouts over 101.1 innings. His fastball-slider combination has been electric, but developing a reliable third pitch will be crucial for his continued success. With a 97.2 mph fastball and a strong ability to miss bats, Jones has the potential to be a frontline starter for the Pirates in the coming years.

Jared Jones – A Key Piece of the Pirates' Rotation

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/endy-rodriguez/58128">Endy Rodriguez</a> was named Just Baseball Media’s 2022 Minor League Hitter of the Year, and his future with the Pirates looks bright. Though he missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, Rodriguez is still seen as the Pirates' long-term solution behind the plate. A switch-hitter with excellent bat-to-ball skills, Rodriguez provides defensive versatility and athleticism. In 2022, he hit .323 with 25 home runs in the minors, showcasing his offensive potential. Paired with veteran catcher <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/joseph-bart/58491">Joey Bart</a>, Rodriguez could help anchor the Pirates’ lineup and defense in the near future.
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Endy Rodriguez – The Pirates' Catcher of the Future

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/paul-skenes/60045">Paul Skenes</a>, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, made his highly anticipated debut in 2024 and immediately became a Rookie of the Year contender. With a 2.10 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 120 innings, Skenes has established himself as the Pirates' ace of the future. His dominance on the mound has brought renewed excitement to Pittsburgh and has solidified the top of the rotation alongside <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jared-jones/58736">Jared Jones</a>. As the Pirates look to the future, Skenes will be a key figure in their plans to return to postseason contention.

Paul Skenes – The Ace of the Future

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The Pirates are rebuilding around young stars like Oneil Cruz, Paul Skenes, and Endy Rodriguez. Learn how these players are key to Pittsburgh’s future.

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