If it’s someone like Hayward, or another has been veteran on a 1-year deal, our lineup looks pretty bland. However, if it’s the outfield version of Horowitz, our lineup looks as if it’s possibly good enough to compete for playoffs if SP is as good as expected.
Not enough power in that lineup. They will get nothing out of SS, 2b and 3b. Who knows at 1b and whoever ends up in rf. Bart was a nice surprise but I wouldn't bet on him repeating..... I see this team ending up sub .500 again.
I second this vote.. Drop IKF to 9th ( I can live with a 'veteran' glove) and move Cutch up or just slide the whole lineup up one spot. IKF outside of his non metric driven first half of last year has a history of being a well below average MLB hitter.
Peguero had a one month stint for Licey in the DWL that ended in late November. Batted around .265/.270 and played 2B in every game. He's been a VG fielding MI at SS and 2B for the Pirates.
His developmental path was interrupted at age 22 when Oneil Cruz suffered a broken ankle. Peguero had started 2023 at Altoona and after around 50 games and 285 AB he had posted a 260/333/453/786 OPS. Promoted to AAA he was able to play all of 7 games (889 OPS) before being promoted to MLB. I thought he did well at the MLB level as a 22 year old hitting for a 654 OPS and fielding 960 in 39 games at SS, and 1.000 in 33 games at 2B.
Peguero is entering his age 24 season and I had hoped that the Pirates would have included Nick Gonzales, 26, in a trade with pitching, for a bat. He did well for the Bucs, but we need the bat, and Peguero could start at 2B opposite IKF and they could have rotated during the first 4 months. Then at the trade deadline IKF would be traded, Peguero moved to SS full time, and Nick Yorke, 23, moving to 2B full time.
I thought it was a nice plan. As is, they could trade both Peguero and Gonzales and still have a quality MI going into ST (Horwitz/Yorke can both play 2B).
I don’t think that is sustainable for an extended period of time. If something happens to IKF, you are probably looking at Williams or Triolo getting “everyday” reps with Nick G. potentially getting a start or two per week.
Nick has a solid glove/range. The arm is questionable for SS but for what I saw was as good as IKF, is an area in need of an upgrade, but I feel that Nick is as good as any on the current roster
In an ideal world, you try to sign someone like Kim, who can provide value in multiple ways. He’s a SS, but maybe not a great one. I cringe thinking we don’t really have a true SS outside of Williams, and it’s likely he doesn’t crack the OD roster.
Kim would be a great get, depending on how his shoulder heals. But yeah the SS position doesn’t get mentioned often and I get it, too many holes to fill and not willing to spend.
'he made strides defensively'? Is he considered good enough to be a MLB starter on defense? I don't see the need for him as a backup infielder if IKF is going to get the bulk of the starts since it seems Triolo and Yorke (I have Nicky G in the pole position at 2B and I think he deserves it given his year to year improvement) would be ahead of him on the depth chart.
It shouldn't, Marcelo missed time in '22 do to his back and wrist, '23 do to his shoulder publicly (I need to look it up but I think I remember Marcelo also mentioning his back) and '24 do to his back and wrist.
I would hope the pirates would be hesitant on a young player with recurring back issues, at least 2 out of the last 3 years, if not all 3.
That’s base on the “very” accurate BTV numbers, same site that has us stealing Horwitz by a good margin and when question about it, the site moderator wrote that he needs to revisit his calculations!
Without a doubt one of the major position player disappointments in the entire system. His ship has sailed as a major league regular. It’s frustrating that he hasn’t panned out.
I've seen Peguero plenty of games in person, which includes Bradenton, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. At times, it seems he is bored or not concentrating. Bad plays in the field and silly swings with little approach at the plate. When locked in, he appears to be a major league hitter and a major league fielder. Just my analysis, but could be totally wrong.
Pirates 2025 Opening Day lineup:
SS - IKF
LF - Reynolds
CF - Cruz
1B- Horowitz
C - Bart
DH - Cutch
3B- Hayes/Triolo
2B - Nick G
RF - ?
If it’s someone like Hayward, or another has been veteran on a 1-year deal, our lineup looks pretty bland. However, if it’s the outfield version of Horowitz, our lineup looks as if it’s possibly good enough to compete for playoffs if SP is as good as expected.
C’mon BC, earn your pay with this decision.
Flip Nicky G. to leadoff. I'm still in on Austin Hays OF signing. No one else on the board who gives a 2-3 WAR at a one-year discount.
If IKF leads off we are doomed. I’d like to see Cruz lead off, or Cutch.
Not enough power in that lineup. They will get nothing out of SS, 2b and 3b. Who knows at 1b and whoever ends up in rf. Bart was a nice surprise but I wouldn't bet on him repeating..... I see this team ending up sub .500 again.
Nothing like a career .313 OBP in the leadoff spot.
I would think Horowitz would be option 1 to leadoff.
Agreed! Would love a trade for Abreu put him at lead off and Horwitz in the middle of the lineup. I’m ok with a Kepler or Pederson move too
I second this vote.. Drop IKF to 9th ( I can live with a 'veteran' glove) and move Cutch up or just slide the whole lineup up one spot. IKF outside of his non metric driven first half of last year has a history of being a well below average MLB hitter.
Peguero had a one month stint for Licey in the DWL that ended in late November. Batted around .265/.270 and played 2B in every game. He's been a VG fielding MI at SS and 2B for the Pirates.
His developmental path was interrupted at age 22 when Oneil Cruz suffered a broken ankle. Peguero had started 2023 at Altoona and after around 50 games and 285 AB he had posted a 260/333/453/786 OPS. Promoted to AAA he was able to play all of 7 games (889 OPS) before being promoted to MLB. I thought he did well at the MLB level as a 22 year old hitting for a 654 OPS and fielding 960 in 39 games at SS, and 1.000 in 33 games at 2B.
Peguero is entering his age 24 season and I had hoped that the Pirates would have included Nick Gonzales, 26, in a trade with pitching, for a bat. He did well for the Bucs, but we need the bat, and Peguero could start at 2B opposite IKF and they could have rotated during the first 4 months. Then at the trade deadline IKF would be traded, Peguero moved to SS full time, and Nick Yorke, 23, moving to 2B full time.
I thought it was a nice plan. As is, they could trade both Peguero and Gonzales and still have a quality MI going into ST (Horwitz/Yorke can both play 2B).
Horowitz is a 1B for this team.
I agree they need to deal from MI depth if possible. If nothing else, as a throw in for a better RF.
Nick is gonna get the bulk of the reps at SS by seasons ends. Yorke will hold his on at 2b.
I don’t think that is sustainable for an extended period of time. If something happens to IKF, you are probably looking at Williams or Triolo getting “everyday” reps with Nick G. potentially getting a start or two per week.
Nick has a solid glove/range. The arm is questionable for SS but for what I saw was as good as IKF, is an area in need of an upgrade, but I feel that Nick is as good as any on the current roster
In an ideal world, you try to sign someone like Kim, who can provide value in multiple ways. He’s a SS, but maybe not a great one. I cringe thinking we don’t really have a true SS outside of Williams, and it’s likely he doesn’t crack the OD roster.
Kim would be a great get, depending on how his shoulder heals. But yeah the SS position doesn’t get mentioned often and I get it, too many holes to fill and not willing to spend.
'he made strides defensively'? Is he considered good enough to be a MLB starter on defense? I don't see the need for him as a backup infielder if IKF is going to get the bulk of the starts since it seems Triolo and Yorke (I have Nicky G in the pole position at 2B and I think he deserves it given his year to year improvement) would be ahead of him on the depth chart.
Keller to the Red Sox for Marcelo sounds good to me
Marcelo being young with recurring back and wrist problems.
I wouldn't press my luck until Hayes (back) or Davis (wrist) can get over those issues and perform at the mlb level.
Keller and Jones will be needed to get Marcelo.
It shouldn't, Marcelo missed time in '22 do to his back and wrist, '23 do to his shoulder publicly (I need to look it up but I think I remember Marcelo also mentioning his back) and '24 do to his back and wrist.
I would hope the pirates would be hesitant on a young player with recurring back issues, at least 2 out of the last 3 years, if not all 3.
Fool me once......
That’s base on the “very” accurate BTV numbers, same site that has us stealing Horwitz by a good margin and when question about it, the site moderator wrote that he needs to revisit his calculations!
I don't think they take recurring injuries into account until performance at the mlb level shows it as a factor lol.
Actually,Marcelo would be at least the 3rd Pirates infielder with recurring back issues. Neil Walker came before Hayes.
Without a doubt one of the major position player disappointments in the entire system. His ship has sailed as a major league regular. It’s frustrating that he hasn’t panned out.
I hope it is too soon to draw that conclusion as hs is just 23. I think the article is spot on, this is his year to make the next step.
I've seen Peguero plenty of games in person, which includes Bradenton, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. At times, it seems he is bored or not concentrating. Bad plays in the field and silly swings with little approach at the plate. When locked in, he appears to be a major league hitter and a major league fielder. Just my analysis, but could be totally wrong.