Kevin Gorman stories, Page 64
Pirates ranked 28th overall, last in NL in payroll last season, per league figures
The Pittsburgh Pirates had the lowest payroll in the National League and third-lowest in baseball in 2022, at $61,196,070, according to MLB figures obtained by the Associated Press. The Pirates ranked 28th overall, directly behind the Cleveland Guardians ($69,080,715) and ahead of only the Baltimore Orioles ($60,377,739) and Oakland Athletics...
Ex-Pirates slugger Frank Thomas, who starred for hometown team in 1950s, dies at 93
Frank Thomas got to live a childhood dream as a Pittsburgh native who became a three-time All-Star slugger for the Pirates in the 1950s before being traded for a trio of players who helped win the 1960 World Series. One of the Pirates’ most popular players, Thomas hit 163 home...
Pirates intrigued by international free agent class, led by South Korea pitcher Jun-Seok Shim
The Pittsburgh Pirates were so intrigued by reports on South Korean pitcher Jun-Seok Shim, an 18-year-old right-hander whose fastball has touched triple digits, that international scouting director Junior Vizcaino flew to Seoul to see Shim pitch in person. The Pirates made Shim the headliner of their international free agent class...
Pirates sign top-10 South Korean RHP prospect, 21 other internationals
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Sunday an international free agent class that features a top-10 prospect in South Korean right-handed pitcher Jun-Seok Shim and top-30 prospect in Dominican outfielder Raymond Mola. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Shim, 18, throws a fastball that sits at 94-96 mph and tops out at 100 and a...
Analysis: Applauding Andrew McCutchen’s reunion with Pirates
Now that the happy homecoming side of Andrew McCutchen agreeing to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates has commenced, there is talk that it could provide the perfect ending. The 36-year-old outfielder has a golden opportunity to end his major-league career with the team that drafted him and the city where...
Back ‘where it all began’: To delight of fans, Pirates sign star outfielder Andrew McCutchen
The Pittsburgh Pirates are bringing back Andrew McCutchen, reuniting with their most popular player of the PNC Park era to the delight of a fan base that has voiced its frustration since he was traded. McCutchen, 36, agreed Friday to a one-year, $5 million contract, pending physical, that will return...
Pirates avoid arbitration with 4 pitchers but don’t reach settlement with Ji-Man Choi
The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with four right-handed pitchers Friday but couldn’t come to a settlement with newly acquired first baseman/designated hitter Ji-Man Choi. The Pirates agreed to settlements with starters JT Brubaker and Mitch Keller and relievers Robert Stephenson and Duane Underwood Jr., announcing the signing of all four...
Andrew McCutchen returning to Pirates on 1-year, $5 million deal, bringing former face of franchise home
Andrew McCutchen is coming back home, possibly to finish his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The immensely popular, five-time All-Star outfielder and 2013 NL MVP who was the catalyst in leading the Pirates to end two decades of losing seasons with three consecutive postseason appearances, agreed Friday to a one-year...
Pirates acquire OF Chavez Young from Toronto for RHP Zach Thompson
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Chavez Young from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday in exchange for right-handed pitcher Zach Thompson. Young, 25, is a switch-hitter known for a strong arm and his ability to steal bases. A Bahamas native who was drafted in the 39th round by Toronto in...
Pitt will try to prove its point against a Duke team that could be missing starting guard
For all of the similarities between the backgrounds of Mike Krzyzewski disciples Jeff Capel and Jon Scheyer, their Pitt and Duke programs were separated by their differences in their respective outcomes Saturday. While Pitt is coming off a one-point home loss to Clemson that likely prevented the Panthers (11-5, 4-1...
As assistants under Coach K, Pitt coach Jeff Capel saw ‘it’ factor in Duke’s Jon Scheyer
Jon Scheyer made an instant impression on Jeff Capel upon joining the Duke coaching staff with his smarts, inquisitive nature, enthusiasm for learning and, most of all, unique feel for people. As a former Blue Devils standout guard who became the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I basketball when...
Pitt shows love for hospitalized alum Damar Hamlin with shirts, banner for Bills safety
The Pitt Panthers showed some love for Damar Hamlin, wearing their hearts on their chest against Clemson. While fans signed well wishes on a banner for the former Pitt safety who went into cardiac arrest during a game for the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football” in Cincinnati, Panthers players...
Clemson rallies in 2nd half to hand Pitt its 1st ACC defeat
Pitt was predicted to finish next-to-last in the 15-team conference in an ACC preseason poll, so Jeff Capel never talked to the Panthers about what was on the line against Clemson. After back-to-back wins over nationally ranked North Carolina and Virginia, Capel was more concerned with Pitt making the most...
Rich Hill looks forward to ‘challenge’ with Pirates, who sign 42-year-old lefty as starter
As a 42-year-old starting pitcher, Rich Hill believes experience is the best teacher. So Hill knew his 18 seasons in the major leagues would be invaluable to a team like the Pittsburgh Pirates with a young staff that was looking for leadership. Despite interest from what he called “a lot...
Pirates trade RHP Bryse Wilson to Brewers for cash considerations
Bryse Wilson is headed to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced they traded the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher to their NL Central Division rival Wednesday for cash considerations. The Pirates designated Wilson for assignment Dec. 28, when they signed lefty reliever Jarlin Garcia. Wilson, 25, was 4-13 with a 5.37...
Jamarius Burton scores career-best 31 points to rally Pitt past No. 25 North Carolina
For as much respect as Jeff Capel had for North Carolina, the Pitt coach was confident about one thing: Jamarius Burton presented a difficult matchup for the Tar Heels because of his size and strength. Trailing by nine points in the second half, the Panthers knew they needed a star...
Pitt coach Jeff Capel finds North Carolina ‘fascinating’ in preparing for ACC home opener
Dating to his playing days at Duke, Jeff Capel is intimately familiar with the North Carolina basketball program, so the Pitt coach marvels at how much the Tar Heels have changed their style under Hubert Davis. The staples established under Dean Smith and continued under Roy Williams remain, from the...
Pirates sign lefty reliever Jarlin Garcia, designate RHP Bryse Wilson for assignment
The Pittsburgh Pirates finally have an Elephant in the room. Left-handed reliever Jarlin Garcia, a 6-foot-3, 215-pounder nicknamed “The Elephant,” officially signed Wednesday a one-year contract for $2.5 million with a club option at $3.25 million for 2024. “Signing Jarlín is part of our overall goal of adding left-handed pitching...
Decision to redshirt Dior Johnson ‘best thing for him and us,’ according to Pitt coach Jeff Capel
Dior Johnson was Pitt’s prized basketball recruit before being charged in early October for a domestic violence incident that prohibited him from being on campus or participating in any basketball activities. Pitt announced Wednesday afternoon that Johnson has returned to practice but is expected to redshirt this season. Panthers coach...
Pirates add lefty to rotation by signing 42-year-old Rich Hill to 1-year, $8 million deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates found the left-hander they were looking to add to their starting rotation, agreeing to a one-year, $8 million contract with 42-year-old Rich Hill, pending a physical. Hill, who turns 43 on March 11, has an 82-59 career record with a 3.85 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 350...
Pirates trade Diego Castillo to Arizona for pitching prospect; Rangers claim Nick Mears
The Pittsburgh Pirates parted ways with two players who were designated for assignment this week, one through a trade and the other on a waiver claim. The Pirates dealt infielder/outfielder Diego Castillo to the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-handed pitcher Scott Randall. The Texas Rangers claimed right-handed reliever Nick Mears off...
Pirates A to Z: Connor Joe’s career comes full circle with return to team that drafted him
During the offseason, the Tribune-Review will offer Pirates A to Z: An alphabetical, player-by-player look at the 40-man roster, from outfielder Miguel Andujar to pitcher Bryse Wilson. Player: Connor Joe Position: Outfield/first base Bats: Right Throws: Right Age: 30 (Aug. 16) Height: 6-foot Weight: 205 pounds 2022 MLB statistics: Slashed...
Pirates GM wants to ‘do more’ for lineup by adding another starting pitcher, position player
Ben Cherington isn’t finished with his Christmas shopping. The Pittsburgh Pirates general manager, who vowed to improve the major-league roster after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, said Wednesday that his wish list includes adding another starting pitcher and position player to the 40-man roster between now and the start of spring training....
Pirates make minor league managerial moves, as Kieran Mattison shifts to coordinator role
When the Pittsburgh Pirates announced the coaching staffs for their minor league affiliates, there was one notable name missing. Kieran Mattison, manager for Double-A Altoona this past season and High-A Greensboro in 2021, will shift to a new role as the Pirates’ outfield, baserunning and run game coordinator next season....
Pirates A to Z: Austin Hedges adds elite defense, hopes to mentor catching prospects
During the offseason, the Tribune-Review will offer Pirates A to Z: An alphabetical, player-by-player look at the 40-man roster, from outfielder Miguel Andujar to pitcher Bryse Wilson. Player: Austin Hedges Position: Catcher Bats: Right Throws: Right Age: 30 (Aug. 18) Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 223 pounds 2022 MLB statistics: Slashed .163/.241/.248...
