'I See Landmines All Over The Field' – MLB Analyst Expects Pirates To Struggle Defensively

“They’re going to play Ryan O’Hearn, who’s a capable defender in left field, I suppose, which, as you know, is one of the most spacious in baseball. He’s playing alongside Oneil Cruz, who was -14 (Defensive Runs Saved) in center field. Last year, one of the worst defenders at the position alongside Bryan Reynolds, who’s comfortably below average.”

The Bucs signed O’Heran to a two-year, $29 million contract, the largest free agent deal for a position player in franchise history. Meanwhile, Reynolds is coming off a disappointing season with the bat, while Cruz is yet to reach his undeniably high potential even after the Pirates moved him out of the shortstop position a couple of years back.

Tougher 2026 Campaign For Pirates Pitching Staff, Says MLB Analyst

The pitching staff was the strongest unit for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025 by a wide margin. They had a reliable starting rotation, and the relievers were pretty solid out of the bullpen as well. But Paul Hembekides predicted the Pirates’ pitchers would not fare as well this year.

“It’s also a pitching staff that posted a below-average strikeout rate last season. They’re not that whiffy,” Hembekides said. “I think it’s going to be another frustrating season to pitch in Pittsburgh this year—just for different reasons.”

The Pirates were just a tad below the league average with 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Still, they finished with a 3.76 ERA, the third lowest in the NL. Despite their strong pitching, their offense finished at the bottom of the MLB in home runs, RBIs, and OPS.