Pirates 2024 Spring Training Recap and Top Performers

Another Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training is in the books. The Pirates concluded their Grapefruit League schedule with a win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday and now have their sights set on Miami and the Marlins for opening day on Thursday.

The Pirates finished with a record of 13-16-1 in the Grapefruit League and finished in 11th place out of 15 teams.

On offense, Oneil Cruz led the Pirates and was tied with Kyle Stowers for the spring training lead with seven home runs. Cruz also led the Pirates with 14 RBIs while Henry Davis was second on the team with 12.

Ke’Bryan Hayes was tied for the spring lead along with three others with 21 hits. Hayes also led Pirates’ regulars with a .412 batting average in 18 games in the Grapefruit League.

On the mound, right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. led the Pirates with 10 appearances, all of which came in relief. Marco Gonzales totaled the most innings (16.2) with Jared Jones (16.1) and Bailey Falter (16) not far behind.

Martín Pérez led Pittsburgh with 16 strikeouts. Jones, Falter and Luis Ortiz all racked up 15 strikeouts.

PBN SPRING AWARDS

• Most Valuable Player: Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz

Cruz and Hayes take home the spring training co-MVPs with remarkable performances. Hayes consistently hit throughout the spring and posted an exceptional 1.081 OPS. This of course was in addition to his steady defense.

Cruz certainly showed he is healthy with consistent loud contact and seven home runs and 14 RBIs in 16 games.

Also in consideration: Henry Davis, Billy McKinney

• Cy Young: Jared Jones

Jones beat the improbable odds and secured a spot in the Pirates’ starting rotation for opening day. The right-hander wasn’t charged with an earned run in any of his six appearances. Jones totaled 16.1 innings, walked eight, struck out 15 and held opponents to a .167 batting average against.

Also in consideration: Martín Pérez

• Most Impressive Prospect: Termarr Johnson

Jones very easily could have won this award too, but since he made the initial roster, the honor goes to a player starting the year in the minor leagues. There isn’t anyone more deserving than Johnson.

The 2022 first-round draft pick hit .348/.400/.652 with a pair of home runs in 15 games. Johnson proved why he’s considered the Pirates’ second-best prospect behind Paul Skenes.

• Also considered: Tsung-Che Cheng