The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the most surprising teams in the first few games of the season.
They have a 4-2 record and a three-game winning streak.
Of course, it’s still very early and they will most likely regress to the mean at some point, but there is no denying they are looking good at the moment.
Can they pull off something similar to what the Baltimore Orioles did last season?
In 2021, Baltimore lost more than 100 games, but they took that number to just 79 in 2022.
Now, Pittsburgh doesn’t quite have the farm system Baltimore has, but they do have some impactful players.
Manager Derek Shelton talked about the team’s increasing momentum.
“‘I think we’re starting to see a little bit different atmosphere in our clubhouse… just working towards getting better every day.’ @Pirates manager Derek Shelton joins #HighHeat to talk about the team’s new acquisitions and early improvements,” MLB Network tweeted.
"I think we're starting to see a little bit different atmosphere in our clubhouse… just working towards getting better every day."@Pirates manager Derek Shelton joins #HighHeat to talk about the team's new acquisitions and early improvements.@MadDogUnleashed | #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/l3MgGR10yv
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 7, 2023
Shelton has endured some rough moments as Pirates manager.
He deserves some good ones, too.
If anything, these first few games have served as a reminder for Pittsburgh that they should do whatever it takes to extend star outfielder Bryan Reynolds.
He leads the league in barrels – the ideal type of batted ball per exit velocity and launch angle – with seven, and is hitting .417/.444/1.000 with four homers in the early going.
He is absolutely carrying the Pirates and his price keeps increasing by the day.
If the Pirates end up trading him, they will set themselves back at least a couple of more years.
With him, Oneil Cruz, Mitch Keller, Roansy Contreras, and some top prospects waiting in the wings, they are allowed to dream.
2023 still might not be their year, but it’s the perfect time to show some progress.
NEXT: Bryan Reynolds Is Making A Strong Case For A Big Payday