Pirates Ace Endorses The Front Office's Hard Work

The Pirates have one of the best pitchers in baseball on their team, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, right-hander Paul Skenes, and have done well to build around him. Skenes commented before the Pirates' final game against the San Diego Padres on how well Cherington has done building the team. 

“A continuation of everything we've seen over the past year or so,” Skenes said to Anthony Filliponi of 93.7 The Fan. “Bringing in guys, we have a homegrown rotation right now, drafting well, developing well, and creating the foundation of a team that's winning for a long time. So it's, you know, another step in the right direction I think.”

The Pirates brought in first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn (two-year, $29 million) to give them another veteran presence along with outfielder Bryan Reynolds in the clubhouse. Signing O’Hearn to his contract was the first multi-year deal in a decade.

The Pirates also traded for second baseman/outfielder Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays to add to their offense. In 10 games, Lowe has looked good at the plate, batting .243 with a .904 OPS and three home runs. Lowe has also been a solid defender at second base, posting 18 defensive runs saved in nine games.

The Pirates' starting rotation has proven to be one of the best in baseball, ranking 10th in ERA (3.19) and gave up one home run in 53.2 innings. 

The Pirates continued their spending spree into the season, making shortstop Konnor Griffin the highest-paid player in their history (nine years, $140 million). At 19, Griffin has shown he is a capable defender (two defensive runs saved), and the bat will come along (.438 batting average in five Triple-A games). 

After the Pirates showed they were willing to spend on Griffin, Skenes should be the next one in line for an extension.