Certainly a position group to watch going forward, but it wasn’t the best looking bunch on the field in 2024.
The yearly review of the Pirates’ position groups continues with the outfielders, who outside of one player, was largely disappointing through most of the season.
Bryan Reynolds
Not only was Bryan Reynolds the best outfielder, he was probably the best player on the entire team this year outside of Paul Skenes. Reynolds was named to the All-Star team and was once again one of the best players in all of baseball. Day in and day out he showed why he is such an asset anywhere in the field, but spent a majority of his season in left. His arm strength allowed him to make so many incredible plays this year, and offensively he impressed as well.
Reynolds ranked in the top 20 in the National League for hits, batting average, OBP, and OBPS. Finishing with a stat line of .275/.344/.791 to go along with 10 stolen bases, Reynolds took a step forward as he enters his athletic prime. Unfortunately, there is a possibility that Reynolds could move to first base next season after he was photographed with a first baseman’s hit in warmups, with manager Derek Shelton saying Reynolds has made it known he could make the move. Hopefully that doesn’t happen because he is incredible in left and it would be a massive blow to lose him from that spot.
Oneil Cruz
As the season was coming to an end, Shelton decided then would be the opportune time to move Oneil Cruz to centerfield. I’m not terribly upset by Cruz switching positions, but I was not pleased with the untimeliness of the decision. Luckily, Cruz did not look totally unnatural in his new position. His speed and athleticism look like they will transfer well, and his insane arm strength should continue to shatter statcast records. I pray that a new hitting coach will be able to take Cruz to the next level, because then he will really be scary. I know Cruz didn’t spend a majority of the season in the outfield, but I’d be remised if I didn’t include him since he will be in center moving forward.
Jack Suwinski
I’m afraid we’ve reached the point where Jack Suwinski is just going to be a fun answer to a Pirates trivia question, because there is clearly a disconnect. Defensively, he’s maybe the best fielder the Bucs have. There is almost never a ball that Suwinski cannot get to. His defensive prowess is incredible, but he’s been an epic offensive liability.
Suwinski spent the season up and down between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis for these offensive woes. In 88 games in Pittsburgh, Suwinski had a line of .182/.264/.324 with just nine homers. He has shown he has plenty of power at the plate, and when at his best can contribute average to slightly above average offensive output, but there has just not been enough signs pointing to him being capable of doing so on a consistent basis. Again, I hope a new hitting coach can help mend this situation, because he is too talented to keep out of the lineup.
Bryan De La Cruz
There must be something wrong with the water in Pittsburgh, because as soon as Bryan De La Cruz arrived, he’s been a shadow of the player he was in Miami. Before being traded, De La Cruz had 18 homers with an average of .245. Not exactly outstanding, but certainly competent. Since getting traded to the Pirates he had just three more home runs, and his average as a Bucco was a lowly .200 with a .220 OBP. These plug-and-play players that the Pirates get for cheap are just not cutting it anymore. It’s a pay-to-play league, and I wouldn’t shell out too much for De La Cruz.
Joshua Palacios
Joshua Palacios played in just 23 Major League games this season, and didn’t get to show much. Many thought he’d get to build upon what he did in his 2023 season, but was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis following Spring Training. Palacios spent most of the year in the Minor Leagues, battling injuries, before being called up for the last stint of the season on September 24. I think Palacios has the makings of a quality outfielder, but there is still certainly significant work that needs done, but obviously this year he really wasn’t given an ample chance to take the next step in his development.
Michael A Taylor, Connor Joe, and Ji Hwan Bae also saw time in the Pirates’ outfield this year, with the former being released on September 25.