2023 Pirates spring training guide: Position breakdowns, prospects, analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in Bradenton, Florida, this week as pitchers and catchers reported last week for the start of spring training. The whole team reported on Monday.

TribLIVE sports writer Kevin Gorman will be covering the team throughout the spring.

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Previewing the Pirates: Starting pitchers Mitch Keller, JT Brubaker ready to take another step

From the outset of spring training, Mitch Keller made no secret of his goals for this season. The Pirates right-hander wanted to be the Opening Day starter and become the anchor for the starting rotation.

‘It’s time to start getting better’: Pirates GM Ben Cherington drives home new expectations

Before Ben Cherington could contemplate what type of expectations he has for the Pirates this season, he first recalled what it was like to endure the brutal past three years as general manager.

Now pitching pain-free, Tyler Chatwood hoping to revive career as a reliever with the Pirates

Tyler Chatwood was finishing his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery when he threw a bullpen session at Arizona State for the Pirates, his first audition before a major league team.

Pirates counting on healthier, happier version of Wil Crowe to be ‘right in the middle’ of bullpen

Wil Crowe wanted to get back to the pitcher he was at the start of last season instead of the one who finished it on the injured list. His offseason motivation came as much from a Halloween photo as it did stepping on the scale.

Analysis: Opening Day roster taking shape as Pirates enter final week of spring training

It’s not often Derek Shelton tips his hand on lineups, so it’s big news when the Pirates manager does reveal plans.

Ji Hwan Bae aiming to start at second base but Pirates rookie knows speed, versatility are key

When Ji Hwan Bae was promoted to the Pirates last September, one reason he wasn’t overwhelmed by the jump to the major leagues was because of the familiar faces in the infield.

Pirates reliever Duane Underwood Jr. proved in WBC that he could handle high-leverage role

Duane Underwood Jr. brought a five-pitch repertoire to the Pirates’ bullpen, but the right-hander did so with a grudge. He remained a reliever who wanted to be a starter.

Pirates prioritize playing time, experience as trio battles for backup catcher spot

After enduring a season in which the Pirates used eight catchers, breaking the emergency glass for an ill-fated inning with a position player, Ben Cherington wasn’t about to allow their backstop to become a laughingstock again.

Coming back from elbow injury, Pirates lefty Caleb Smith working to become a starter again

The Pirates signed Caleb Smith, who spent much of the past two seasons pitching out of the bullpen for the Diamondbacks, to a minor-league deal with the intention of stretching him out to be a starter. That was a motivating factor for Smith.

Ryan Vilade found friendly competition in Pirates outfield with teammate Canaan Smith-Njigba

Ryan Vilade was standing within earshot when Canaan Smith-Njigba was asked about his old teammate becoming his new teammate with the Pirates.

Jared Triolo has Gold Glove at 3rd base, but his path to Pirates might be at another position

Jared Triolo was hitless in his first 19 at-bats of spring training when he finally broke out of his funk Tuesday with a fly ball that was misplayed by Baltimore Orioles right fielder Dylan Beavers.

Now healthy, Colin Holderman wants to prove to Pirates that he belongs in back of bullpen

Now that he’s healthy and has added to his arsenal, Colin Holderman wants to prove to the Pirates that he belongs in the back end of the bullpen.

Connor Joe shows defensive versatility, looks to find a role in return to Pirates

When the Pirates traded for Connor Joe in December, it wasn’t lost on him that it provided a full-circle moment in a baseball career that required a circuitous route to the majors.

Pirates OF Canaan Smith-Njigba showed resolve in recovery, now wants to flash power

In his own words, Canaan Smith-Njigba was rolling. Then the Pirates outfielder took a tumble that abruptly ended his season. Smith-Njigba isn’t going to allow it to ruin his dream.

Pirates counting on Carlos Santana to provide stability at 1B, leadership for Latin teammates

When the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Carlos Santana to a free-agent contract, they discussed how his impact could be two-fold: by addressing offseason needs at first base and in the clubhouse.

Prospects Mike Burrows, Quinn Priester share goal of finishing season pitching for the Pirates

Mike Burrows and Quinn Priester arrived at spring training with similar resumes — right-handed pitchers drafted out of high school and ranked among the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top 10 prospects — and the same end goal.

Miguel Andujar hopes to bounce back from ‘business’ move, win spot on Pirates’ roster

Perhaps the only person affiliated with the Pirates who wasn’t happy about the news of Andrew McCutchen’s return was Miguel Andujar, if only because it came at his own expense.

For Pirates’ double play partners Nick Gonzales, Liover Peguero, the waiting is the hardest part

For Nick Gonzales and Liover Peguero, spending spring training with the Pirates showed how close they are to making the major leagues and how far they still have to go.

After showing he could hit as a Pirates rookie, Cal Mitchell sets new goal

Now that he’s no longer a rookie, Cal Mitchell came to spring training without the nerves the Pirates outfielder had felt in the past but with a newfound sense of purpose.

Veteran Chris Owings has inside track on becoming a super-utility man for Pirates

When Derek Shelton was asked about potential backups at shortstop, second base and third base, the Pirates manager kept mentioning the name of a non-roster invitee to spring training.

Pirates players thrilled to participate in World Baseball Classic

When David Bednar saw the Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic, the Pirates closer’s mind drifted to his first All-Star Game last summer.

Pirates adjusting to love-hate relationship with baseball’s new pitch clock in spring training

In his first at-bat of spring training, Bryan Reynolds took an Aaron Nola four-seam fastball for a ball to work a 3-0 count against the Philadelphia Phillies in a Grapefruit League game Monday at LECOM Park.

Now that Chase De Jong has found a home with Pirates, he’s working on a new pitch

Chase De Jong arrived in Bradenton last year as a nonroster invitee coming off season-ending knee surgery and making the move from the starting rotation of the Pirates to a reliever role.

Former Pirates No. 1 pick Travis Swaggerty takes a big swing at rebuilding his reputation

When the Pirates chose Travis Swaggerty out of South Alabama with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, they got an outfielder with a reputation as the best hitter in college baseball.

For Pirates flamethrower Luis Ortiz, mixing in a changeup could round out starter’s repertoire

Luis Ortiz focused on throwing four-seam fastballs against Baltimore lefty Franchy Cordero, falling behind in the count after failing to find the strike zone on his first three pitches.

A week after collapsing at Pirate City, Ernie Withers throws 1st pitch

One week after going into cardiac arrest and requiring CPR at Pirate City, Ernie Withers threw the ceremonial first pitch to the doctor who saved his life.

A.J. Burnett will throw out 1st pitch at Pirates home opener

Batman will return to the mound at PNC Park. Former Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett announced Tuesday on Twitter that he will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to catcher Russell Martin for the home opener against the Chicago White Sox on April 7.

Tim Benz: Why gambling on Pirates has become most popular bet on MLB boards

Over much of the past 40 years, betting on the Pirates has been a good way to lose a lot of money. But based on some early movement this season, the Pirates are a popular pick among baseball gamblers.

Pirates start Jack Suwinski in center, signaling shift for Bryan Reynolds

When they ran out of the home dugout Monday at LECOM Park, Bryan Reynolds veered to left field and Andrew McCutchen to right while Jack Suwinski sprinted to center.

Mark Madden: If Bob Nutting wanted to ‘find a way’ to sign Bryan Reynolds, it would be done

Spring training for the Pirates has only just started, and the horse manure is piling up as fast as the pitch clock will allow.

‘I want it really bad’: Rodolfo Castro has sights set on winning Pirates’ starting job at 2B

When the Pirates opened Grapefruit League play against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, Rodolfo Castro was in the starting lineup but not at his position of preference.

Pirates owner Bob Nutting addresses Bryan Reynolds talks, RSN collapse, payroll issues

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said he is pushing for the club to sign Bryan Reynolds to a long-term contract extension and isn’t ruling out the possibility of signing a player to a $100 million contract in the near future.

With Bryan Reynolds contract talks at standstill, Pirates owner Bob Nutting pushing for deal

Bryan Reynolds had casual conversations with Pirates chairman Bob Nutting and team president Travis Williams this past week at Pirate City but said that no substantive contract extension discussions have resumed.

‘Catching is gold’: Pirates prospects Henry Davis, Endy Rodriguez absorb veteran advice

Austin Hedges arrived at spring training prepared for a crash course with the Pirates, learning as fast as he could about the pitching staff while teaching two of their top-100 prospects as much as he could about catching in the major leagues.

Pirates pitcher JT Brubaker seeks sense of normalcy, ready to take next step as a starter

When the Pirates returned to Pirate City for spring training, JT Brubaker found a sense of normalcy — something that’s been missing for the right-hander since 2018.

Pirates tab RHP Mitch Keller to start Grapefruit League opener against Blue Jays

Mitch Keller made it his goal to be the starting pitcher for the Pirates on Opening Day in Cincinnati and the right-hander will be on the mound for their spring training opener.

Pirates No. 1 pick Termarr Johnson ‘not too worried’ about hamstring strain

Termarr Johnson is disappointed that his first major league spring training was interrupted by an injury, but the Pirates’ 2022 first-round pick hopes for a quick recovery.

Veteran RHP Vince Velasquez finds potential fit in middle of Pirates rotation

Vince Velasquez was still feeling the adrenaline rush of facing hitters, pumped even more after filling the strike zone with his fastball and commanding his secondary pitches.

Pirates No. 1 pick Termarr Johnson shut down from spring training with right hamstring strain

Termarr Johnson, the Pirates’ first-round pick and one of their top prospects, has been shut down from spring training after straining his right hamstring.

Pirates RHP Roansy Contreras wants to add changeup to repertoire, stop-and-go seasons

Roansy Contreras worked on his changeup and curveball over the offseason in an effort to round out his repertoire with pitches that can play off his four-seam fastball and slider.

Mitch Keller aims to be Pirates’ starter on Opening Day: ‘I always want to be the guy’

When Mitch Keller personally delivered season tickets to a Pirates fan late last month, she expressed hope that he would be the starting pitcher for the home opener on April 7.

For teenager Termarr Johnson, veterans like Rich Hill, 42, are best teachers at Pirates camp

Rich Hill is the graybeard of the Pirates, a 42-year-old left-hander pitching for the 12th team in his 18-year major-league career.

Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: With Bob Nutting present, Pirates ready for full-squad workouts

There was something different about the day before the first full-squad workout of spring training for the Pirates, starting with the black Jaguar parked prominently at Pirate City.

Ji-Man Choi: ‘No hard feelings’ for Pirates after being blocked for WBC, losing in arbitration

Ji-Man Choi was traded, underwent surgery on his right elbow, was blocked from playing for Korea in the World Baseball Classic and lost his arbitration hearing.

Oneil Cruz working hard to stay at shortstop for Pirates, remain baseball’s biggest oddity

Even as Oneil Cruz attempts to overcome an oxymoron — as a 6-foot-7 shortstop — he can’t escape the hyperbole of being compared to a mythical creature with magical powers.

With game of catch, Andrew McCutchen, Ke’Bryan Hayes begin bond as Pirates

It was a simple spring training game of catch but one that represented so much more for Andrew McCutchen and the Pirates.

Pirates GM: Door ‘will continue to be open’ for Bryan Reynolds on contract extension talks

A day after Bryan Reynolds said he would be willing to waive his trade request if the Pirates offer a contract extension that is a “fair deal for both sides,” general manager Ben Cherington responded by saying the door “will continue to be open.”

After shattering Statcast records as rookie, Pirates SS Oneil Cruz eyes exclusive clubs

Oneil Cruz showed as a rookie that one swing can do enough damage to shatter Statcast records, so the Pirates shortstop shared some lofty goals for his first full year in the major leagues.

In search to stay healthy, show more power, Pirates 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes packs on muscle

After being bothered by back and hip pain, Ke’Bryan Hayes used his brains to add brawn. The Pirates third baseman invested in a team of trainers in the offseason to focus on core stability and stay healthy.

Pirates OF Bryan Reynolds opens up on his trade request

Bryan Reynolds said his offseason trade request from the Pirates stemmed from a wide gap in contract talks that showed a “difference of opinion … of what we viewed my worth as a player.”

Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Watch for these prospects as Pirates spring training starts

When Pirates pitchers and catchers report to spring training Wednesday at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., the 67-man camp will include five prospects who aren’t likely to make the Opening Day roster but could finish the season at PNC Park. Here’s a look at those prospects.

Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Most pressing questions for Pirates entering spring training

Coming off back-to-back 100-loss seasons for the first time since the 1950s, the Pirates underwent a roster overhaul and spent $30 million on veterans in free agency.

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Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the players the Pirates have and what we can expect:

Starting pitchers

Mitch Keller expected to anchor starting rotation that added 2 veterans

The Pirates have been touting Mitch Keller as having top-of-the-rotation stuff since he was their top pitching prospect, but the right-hander struggled to show it in his first three major-league seasons.

Bullpen

David Bednar expected to lead bullpen bolstered by offseason additions

When it comes to the Pirates’ bullpen, Derek Shelton won’t divulge defined roles. The Pirates manager has refused to call David Bednar the team’s closer, despite leading their relievers in saves (19) and strikeouts (69) and being selected as an All-Star last season.

Catcher

Counting on Austin Hedges at catcher until prospects are promoted

For the Pirates, the conundrum at catcher last season couldn’t be captured by one name, as they used eight players at the position. With top-100 prospects Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis not quite ready for the majors, the team signed veteran Austin Hedges to a one-year, $5 million contract.

1st base

1B, DH addressed with additions of Ji-Man Choi, Carlos Santana

Ben Cherington entered the offseason with the objective of improving the Pirates at first base and designated hitter, and the general manager addressed both positions before the Winter Meetings.

2nd base / Shortstop

Oneil Cruz, Rodolfo Castro can make a case as starting middle infielders

Over the final five weeks of the season, the Pirates played Oneil Cruz and Rodolfo Castro together for 14 games and gave a glimpse of what could become their double-play pairing of the future.

3rd base

Ke’Bryan Hayes dazzles at 3B but has yet to show power for the position

If the dazzling plays made by Ke’Bryan Hayes didn’t prove that he was baseball’s best glove at third base, the measures of metrics made it clear that he was the best defender in the game.

Outfield

Adding Andrew McCutchen creates competition in crowded outfield

Andrew McCutchen’s return on a one-year, $5 million contract complicates a crowded position. The Pirates have 10 outfielders on the 40-man roster who will be competing for four spots.