Poll: Grading the 2023 Pirates -- General Manager
Ben Cherington wrapped up his fourth year as the Pirates General Manager
Here’s another one that, IMO, should be viewed in a broader context. Not just the big things, like waiver claims and signing .180 hitters to play every day, but progress throughout the organization, especially the farm system. Ben Cherington himself has said repeatedly, including in his post-season press conference, that the Pirates will primarily build from within. So how did the whole organization fare in 2023?
For 2023, I thought Ben Cherrington was an A. The FA signings were VG overall with 'Cutch, Joe, Santana, Hill, and Velasquez leading the way. A few injuries to Choi and the LHRP (Garcia) dropped them from an Excellent rating. Offseason/inseason pickups of Dauri Moreta, Jose Hernandez, and Ryan Borucki were key moves to solidify the BP. Almost no AAAA players picked up until after the injuries started at the beginning of the season.
Bringing up many of our best prospects turned this franchise into one heading upwards, and the developmental program of the Bucs seems to have turned the corner. Reynolds signed long term was big and the names of Bae, Triolo, Peguero, Rodriguez, and Davis are already set for the future. Biggest bonehead move was extending Shelton at the quickest possible moment. Hopefully he is only extended one year. Of course, I saw BC as the de facto Manager of the Pirates in 2023 through the trades and promotions - a puppet master. Shelton was simply the guy in place in the dugout. That will have to change in 2024 and somebody capable placed in charge.
BC did many things right, which is reflected in the 14 win improvement despite losing Cruz for essentially the entire season. However, I only gave him a C because he refused to deviate from the playbook when the team got off to a hot start.
He never believed the team was good enough to compete, and said as much, even when it appeared maybe they were.
Let’s hope next year, BC will be bold enough to pivot when the team needs to, in order to give the team the best chance to succeed.