What's Happening?
As the MLB season progresses, the Pittsburgh Pirates are facing significant questions regarding their bullpen. Following the trade deadline, the team dealt closer David Bednar to the Yankees, leaving them without an established closer. Options such as Dennis Santana, Isaac Mattson, and Braxton Ashcraft are being considered for the role. The Pirates are also evaluating the performance of manager Don Kelly, who took over in May, and the potential Cy Young Award candidacy of ace Paul Skenes.
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Why It's Important?
The Pirates' bullpen situation is crucial for their performance in the remainder of the season. Without a clear closer, the team may struggle to maintain leads in tight games, impacting their playoff chances. The decisions made during this period will influence the team's offseason strategy, including potential acquisitions. Additionally, the performance of manager Don Kelly and ace Paul Skenes will be closely watched, as they could affect the team's future direction and leadership.
What's Next?
The Pirates will continue to assess their bullpen options over the next two months, with the possibility of adding a closer in the offseason if internal solutions are not found. The team will monitor the free agent market for potential signings, with several notable closers potentially available. The Pirates will also focus on maintaining competitive performance to support Paul Skenes' Cy Young bid and evaluate Don Kelly's effectiveness as manager.
