Reds vs. Pirates: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Bucs appear destined for their first 100-loss campaign in more than a decade.

It’s not easy being a Pirates fan. Only once, in the last six seasons, have the Bucs finished within 15 games of first place in the NL Central.  Additionally, Pittsburgh hasn’t finished as high as third place in the five-team division since the 2016 campaign.

Despite those horrifying numbers, the 2021 season will be the worst in a terrible stretch of Pittsburgh baseball. To avoid their first 100-loss campaign since 2010, the Pirates will need to go at least 11-8 to close out the season. In other words, it’s almost an inevitability the Bucs will cross the triple-digit threshold in the loss column.

Will manager Derek Shelton be completing the lineup card for the Pirates on Opening Day in 2022?That’s anyone’s guess, but despite the 71-132 record he’s compiled in two seasons in the Steel City, he’s the least of their problems. This club is awful across the board.

Offensively, they are the worst-hitting team in the NL. Pittsburgh ranks last in the senior circuit in home runs, slugging, and OPS. The one bright spot in the Bucs lineup has been outfielder Bryan Reynolds.

The switch-hitting All-Star leads the team in nearly every conceivable offensive category and slashes an impressive .299/.383/.514 with 23 round-trippers and 85 RBIs. Essentially, he’s the one hitter in the Pirates order you can’t allow to beat you.

Needless to say, little solace has been found on the pitching mound as well. They own the second-worst marks in the league in ERA, WHIP, and saves. In addition, the Pirates are tied for the basement in the NL with a 3.9 BB/9 rate.