The Pittsburgh Pirates are making strides toward improving their offense for next season.
Pittsburgh is optimistic despite its 76-86 record last season. The Pirates’ starting rotation excelled this past season, with rookies Paul Skenes and Jared Jones playing a major role. Although the offense had bright spots, there is room for improvement.
The Pirates reportedly began to make changes by bringing back former player Matt Hague to be the team’s new hitting coach, according to MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf.
“Hague has been hired as the Pirates’ new hitting coach, a source told MLB.com, replacing Andy Haines, who was dismissed after three years with the team at the conclusion of the season,” Stumpf said.
“Hague, 39, spent last season as the Blue Jays’ Major League assistant hitting coach after serving as a Minor League hitting coach in their system from 2020-23. As a player, he played parts of the 2012 and ’14 seasons with the Pirates and the ’15 campaign with the Blue Jays. Hague will be inheriting an offense that certainly has some pieces, but it has struggled to produce. The 2024 team ranked 24th in the Majors in runs scored (665) and 27th in team OPS (.672), but did have some bright spots. Bryan Reynolds returned to All-Star form, Joey Bart and Nick Gonzales started living up to their first-round pedigree and Oneil Cruz improved as the season progressed and had a 20-20 season.”
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Pittsburgh will continue looking for young players to develop as prospects move up in their farm system. With how good their pitching is projected to be next season, any offensive improvements may be the difference in a potential playoff run.
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