2024 Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up the 2024 season with the exact same record as the previous year. Last year, there was some hope with a 76-86 finish—an impressive 14-win jump over 2022! But that optimism evaporated faster than a rain cloud on a sunny day. 

This time, expectations were elevated, driven by past performances that suggested potential. Both fans and analysts were optimistic, yet unfortunately, the outcome was unchanged—they finished in last place. Last. Indeed, last.

Despite the hope for a turnaround, the team struggled to find their rhythm, and their efforts fell short once again, leaving supporters disappointed and wondering what went wrong. It was a hard pill to swallow, especially given the promises made during the off-season for improvement and success.

While there have been improvements in certain areas, largely thanks to the emergence of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller, and Bailey Falter, who have formed a respectable rotation, the overall outlook for the Pirates remains bleak. As is often the case, the negatives outweigh the positives, and this time, we're recognizing them for it by awarding the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates our first ever Across Pittsburgh Participation Trophy. 

Let's put the award in context. 

They wrapped up the miserably 2024 campaign with an another 76-86 record after their thrilling 6-4 loss to the Yankees on Sunday, capping off a spectacular slide of 32 losses in their last 52 games. Bravo! 

That’s a mind-blowing improvement of… zero wins! 

And let’s not forget, they finished last in the National League Central for the fourth time in six years.

The bullpen was, without question, the biggest disappointment for the Pirates this season. 

Despite having moments of promise, their persistent tendency to blow late leads and lose close games was simply brutal to witness. Time and again, fans were left shaking their heads as the team's hard-fought victories slipped away in the final innings, highlighting the need for a more reliable relief core to support the starters and secure crucial wins.

Frankly, their hitting sucked all year. 

Plagued with inconsistency and a lack of power, the Pirates' offense struggled to produce runs and secure wins all seasons. While individual players showed flashes of potential, it was clear that the team lacked any meaningful talent at the plate. 

Then there was the shameful business about cutting Rowdy Tellez in the season’s final week. Oh, brother. This is a dick move by Bob Nutting. 

Instead of helping a player achieve a milestone that was clearly on the table, they saved MLB chump change of a $200,000 bonus, which was due Tellez had he batted four more times.

C'mon man. Give the dude his money.

No doubt we could go on and on, but we'd rather write up our next City of Champions entry. 

So, congratulations to the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates! You’ve earned the illustrious distinction of being the first-ever recipients of our official Across Pittsburgh Participation Award for another lack luster season that benefited nobody except for Bob Nutting's wallet. What an honor!