Jared Triolo could start at third base or shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington is hoping to add someone to the left side of the infield before spring training begins in less than three weeks. Triolo’s position will depend on which player the Pirates are able to acquire.

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Regardless of the outcome, Triolo isn’t sweating the uncertainty.

“It’s like every other year, but just staying ready at every position,” Triolo said. “Coming into spring training, available at all the infield spots and even some outfield. Feeling good everywhere.”

Triolo has proven to be a plus defender during his three seasons in the major leagues. He won the National League Gold Glove for utility players in 2024 and was a finalist for the award last season.

Triolo has backed up that confidence on defense. He has 13 defensive runs saved in 128 career games at third base, 10 DRS in 71 games at second base, and one DRS in 40 games at first base, though he has minus-4 DRS in 56 games as a shortstop.

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Despite those shortstop numbers, Pittsburgh believes Triolo can handle the position on a regular basis—even though he hasn’t played there full-time since the University of Houston. Triolo started 33 of the Pirates’ final 59 games at shortstop, taking over for Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was eventually released.

“I think it was really beneficial for me,” Triolo said of his late-season reps. “I think there was a good stretch where I was playing short almost every day. Just confidence knowing I can do it and do it at a high level is good for me.”

Cherington’s confidence in Triolo extends to his offense as well, which became especially clear after a late-season surge in 2025 following a demotion to the minor leagues in July. Triolo batted .276/.353/.422 in 52 games after three weeks at Triple-A Indianapolis.

“He’s been a good major league player for a while, really,” Cherington said. “He’s always been able to help the team do a lot of things to help the team win games. Feel like he took another step forward this past season.”

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Triolo appreciates Cherington’s comments.

“I think it’s awesome,” Triolo said. “Just hearing trust from those guys is big for myself and getting to spring training and feeling that. Just gives me a lot of confidence.”

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