Pirates seek improvement by maximizing small-game strategies

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton has emphasized the need for his team to improve in key areas for the 2025 season. After finishing with a 76-86 record in 2024, Shelton mentioned they need to "win in the margins." The Pirates have one of the lowest payrolls in MLB, meaning they have little room for mistakes. They must avoid errors in crucial situations. If the bullpen loses a lead, or if there is a baserunning mistake, the team struggles to recover due to their limited talent. Designated hitter Andrew McCutchen noted that many games were close. He believes that if they had executed better in 15 to 30 games, their record could have been much different. While McCutchen's points are valid, other teams also face similar challenges. The Pirates' run differential was minus-74 in 2024, better only than a couple of other teams. They did perform decently in one-run games, finishing 25-26 in that category. They played many close games, showing they were competitive in those situations. However, they need to improve their late-game performance. The Pirates’ bullpen only converted 60% of its save opportunities and blew 29 saves. Their hitting in critical moments also needs work, as they struck out often and hit few home runs. Defensively, the team committed 91 errors, ranking them among the worst in the league. In summary, the Pirates need to make improvements in hitting, pitching, and defense to be more successful in 2025. If they can succeed in those margins, they may have a better chance to win. But they must also be mindful that other teams will be trying to do the same.