ESPN's Jeff Passan tears into Pirates with tough comments

ESPN MLB writer Jeff Passan took aim at Pittsburgh Pirates ownership over the team’s financial decisions.

In an appearance on the “Baseball Today” podcast, Passan tore into the Pirates for their lack of spending on new players. Passan noted that the Pirates have a potentially generational player on the roster in pitcher Paul Skenes, and have essentially made the choice not to spend money and built a competitive roster around him.

“The Pirates, this offseason, spent $19.95M on free agent signings when they have a generational pitcher,” Passan said. “They’ve got arms. I’ve seen what PNC Park looks like when it’s full and when it’s raucous and when Pittsburgh fans are showing out and have a reason to show out, and it’s magical. And those Pirates fans deserve more than they have right now. … If we have Paul Skenes right now, why aren’t we doing absolutely everything we can to build around him and to build something that’s worthy of the pitcher he is?"

Passan pointed out that, according to Forbes, the Pirates’ 2024 revenue was $326M, which is more than enough to support a sizable payroll.

“There are a couple other teams in that bucket, all of whom have nine-figure payrolls,” Passan added. “There is zero reason that the Pirates need to operate how they operate. It is a choice. It is a choice that’s insulting to fans, it’s a choice that’s insulting to the game, it’s a choice that’s insulting to the players in that clubhouse who deserve better.”