One insider believes the Pittsburgh Pirates will take a big step forward in the 2025 Major League Baseball season.
The Pirates finished last season 76-86 for the second year in a row but were in the mix for a playoff spot for most of the season. Although Pittsburgh failed to reach the playoffs last year, the team has pieces in place to improve next year. The emergence of superstar Paul Skenes and offseason additions like Spencer Horwitz will help improve the team for next season.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles predicts that the Pirates will take a big step in the 2025 season and lead the National League South division at the All-Star break.
“That’s right, this writer is predicting the Pittsburgh Pirates will be at the top of the National League Central Division at the All-Star break. A notably weak division, the average winning percentage for the NL Central leader at the All-Star break is .559,” Hiles said.
“Pitching will be the obvious key to Pittsburgh’s strong start. A full season with Paul Skenes on the mound, along with a more experienced Jared Jones, will give Shelton one of the game’s best one-two punches. The Pirates will arrive in Atlanta for the All-Star game as one of the league’s best stories. Paul Skenes will be one of the favorites for not only Cy Young but also the National League’s Most Valuable Player award.”
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Skenes went 11-3 last season with a 1.96 ERA and will look to improve on a season where he ranked third in NL Cy Young voting and won the National League Rookie of the Year. The Pirates were 48-48 at the All-Star last season and were in the running for the playoffs, but will aim higher next season with an improved team.
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