{"id":669005,"date":"2026-04-07T19:59:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T19:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/669005\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T19:59:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T19:59:29","slug":"is-pirates-bold-sacrifice-for-improved-offense-paying-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/669005\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Pirates’ Bold Sacrifice For Improved Offense Paying Off?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After ranking last in runs, home runs and OPS last year, the Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> desperately needed to add offense over the winter. And that’s what they did<\/a>, acquiring three All-Star hitters in Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn along with a top prospect in Jhostynxon Garcia.<\/p>\n

All of that offense came with a catch, however. Ozuna, Lowe and O’Hearn are all in their 30s and not known for their defense. Accordingly, the Pirates’ fielding was expected to take a hit, especially in the outfield with O’Hearn joining Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds.<\/p>\n

A converted shortstop, Cruz was already one of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball, and Reynolds isn’t anything special. Accordingly, it seemed like Pittsburgh might have trouble catching and throwing the ball this year.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, outfield defense has been an issue from the start<\/a> for the Pirates. Cruz bungled back-to-back plays<\/a> in the first inning on Opening Day and once again looks like a liability in center field. Reynolds also made a brutal error<\/a> during Monday’s loss to the San Diego Padres.<\/p>\n

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The Pirates chose offense over defense in roster building.<\/p>\n

Their outfield is at -3 OAA (29th in MLB) and -2 DRS (tied for 21st in MLB) so far this season.<\/p>\n

But the offense has a 106 wRC+, which is tied for 10th after being the 2nd-worst in 2025 (82). https:\/\/t.co\/0Vdr21N2nx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 nugget chef (@jayhaykid) April 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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Not surprisingly, Pittsburgh’s outfield ranks 29th in outs above average and tied for 21st in defensive runs saved.<\/p>\n

On the plus side, however, the Pirates’ offense is much improved. Despite getting shut out on Monday, it still ranks 11th in scoring, sixth in homers, sixth in OBP and ninth in OPS+.<\/p>\n

Cruz and O’Hearn have both been mashing, more than making up for their defensive deficiencies. Reynolds has been solid as well, giving Pittsburgh one of the best-hitting outfields in baseball.<\/p>\n

With the Pirates at\u00a06-4, the trade-off has been well worth it so far<\/a>, even if their defense isn’t always pretty to watch.<\/p>\n

More MLB:\u00a0Pirates Rookie Delivers Overly Harsh Assessment Of Frustrating Start Vs. Padres<\/a><\/p>\n