Pirates
MLB National League Central Pittsburgh Pirates 2022
At 61-101, the Pittsburgh Pirates finished dead last in the NL Central in 2021, 34 games behind the division-winning Milwaukee Brewers. Unfortunately, 2022 does not bring a whole lot more optimism as they are tied (with the Baltimore Orioles) for the worst odds of winning the upcoming World Series.
Before the MLB lockout, the Pirates did make a few signings for the 2022 season. They signed catcher Roberto Perez, first baseman Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, and pitcher Jose Quintana to one-year deals. Still, these signings will do little to move the needle in terms of fan excitement or possibilities of contending.
That is not to say that the Pirates are without talent, though. There is a lot of optimism surrounding both outfielder Bryan Reynolds and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. There has been speculation that other teams could have interest in Reynolds, but the Pirates would likely need a sizable package to move their most productive player.
Luckily, help may be on the way for Pittsburgh. According to Baseball America, the team’s farm system ranks third in all of baseball.
Baseball America has six Pirates’ players ranked in their top 100, including shortstop Oneil Cruz, catcher Henry Davis, second baseman Nick Gonzales, shortstop Liover Peguero, pitcher Roansy Contreras, and pitcher Quinn Priester.
While 2022 may not be the season that the Pirates make a move to competitiveness, with this much talent in the minors, don’t be surprised if they are knocking on the NL Central’s doorstep within a few years.
For Pirates fans, they are simply hoping to be competitive again, and with a bit of luck, maybe they can end their World Series drought in the near future.
MLB National League Central Pittsburgh Pirates History
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ franchise stems all the way back to 1881 when the club was known as the Pittsburgh Allegheny and played in the American Association.
Fast forward to 1881, the club joined the National League, where it has remained ever since. Pittsburgh remained the Alleghenys until 1891, when its name was officially changed to the Pirates.
When divisions were formed in 1969, the Pirates were originally part of the NL East. They played in that division from 1969 until 1993. With realignment and the addition of another division in 1994, the Pirates shifted to the NL Central. They have been in that division ever since.
Going back to 1882, the Pirates have a winning record of 10,625 – 10,547, good for a .502 winning percentage.
The team has played in several ballparks despite playing in just one city. As the Alleghenys, they played at Exposition Park (1882 to 1883) and Recreation Park (1884 to 1890).
The franchise started its tenure as the Pirates at Exposition Park III, which they played in until 1909. For the rest of the 20th century, they played at Forbes Field (1909 to 1970) and Three Rivers Stadium (1970 to 2000).
Since 2001, they have played at their current stadium, which is PNC Park.