Kevin Gausman made a promising start this spring, pitching 1 2/3 innings while striking out two and allowing no hits in the Toronto Blue Jays' 7-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gausman, who finished the previous season with a 14-11 record and a 3.83 ERA, looks to build on that momentum as he enters his fourth year with the Jays. Although Toronto mounted a late comeback with back-to-back homers from Arjun Nimmala and Alan Roden, it fell short. The Pirates took an early lead, aided by Oneil Cruz's three-run shot and Joey Bart's solo homer.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates face a crossroads as they head towards the 2025 season with a stellar core of young talent, including All-Star Bryan Reynolds and Gold Glove winner Ke'Bryan Hayes, secured on team-friendly contracts. The presence of promising prospects like Oneil Cruz and Paul Skenes, combined with a remarkably low payroll, sets the stage for potential contention. Yet, the franchise remains hindered by ownership issues, particularly Bob Nutting's reluctance to invest in key free-agent acquisitions despite being on the brink of competitiveness in the NL Central.

With only a handful of players in arbitration and a projected payroll among the lowest in MLB, the Pirates missed opportunities to bolster their roster. While rivals like the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are seen as attainable, the Pirates' lack of offseason activity raises questions. The potential for a stronger 2025 season depends on whether the front office will take calculated risks to capitalize on their young talent's affordability and the competitive landscape of the division.

As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for the 2025 season, they are likely to continue their trend of extending young talent, a practice that has proven fruitful in recent springs. One pivotal player in this conversation is Oneil Cruz, who, after a solid 2024 season batting .259 with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases, is expected to be a key candidate for an extension. In contrast, pitcher Paul Skenes, despite being the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is unlikely to receive an extension while under team control for five more seasons. On the flip side, Cruz’s recent transition to center field raises questions about his long-term value, especially after he posted negative defensive metrics in the position.

Pittsburgh's approach to retaining its homegrown talent has been demonstrated through substantial contract extensions for players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds. With their first full-squad workout on the horizon, the Pirates' front office is poised to engage in discussions surrounding Cruz's future as they aim to solidify a promising roster. The team's willingness to invest in its young stars suggests they recognize the importance of keeping their core intact to foster sustained competitiveness.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have faced criticism for their lack of spending in the offseason, with their last multi-year free agent signing dating back to 2016 when they acquired starting pitcher Iván Nova. This long gap underscores a broader trend among MLB teams, as the Pirates stand alone in refraining from signing free agents to multi-year contracts in recent years.

Owner Bob Nutting's reluctance to sell the team and GM Ben Cherington's limited external acquisitions since 2019 have left many fans frustrated. Despite extending key players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds, the lack of investment in free agency raises questions about the future of emerging talents like Oneil Cruz and Paul Skenes, potentially hindering the Pirates' prospects.