Obviously they didn’t reach the postseason, but I’m not sure many people expected them to. However, if you told me at the beginning of the season that the following would happen:
• Won 76 games (and finished above the Cardinals!)
• Almost all of our top prospects graduated to the majors
• Drafted a once-in-a-generation pitcher who’s expected to be in Pittsburgh next season
• Extend Bryan Reynolds long-term
• Mitch Keller would make his first All-Star Game
• Ke’Bryan Hayes would solidify himself as NOT being a bust
I’d call that a win. Don’t let the poor early-mid summer distract you from the fact that they took a major step towards contending in the National League moving forward. For the first time since maybe 2016, if not 2015, there is legitimate excitement around this team!
• Won 76 games (and finished above the Cardinals!)
• Almost all of our top prospects graduated to the majors
• Drafted a once-in-a-generation pitcher who’s expected to be in Pittsburgh next season
• Extend Bryan Reynolds long-term
• Mitch Keller would make his first All-Star Game
• Ke’Bryan Hayes would solidify himself as NOT being a bust
I’d call that a win. Don’t let the poor early-mid summer distract you from the fact that they took a major step towards contending in the National League moving forward. For the first time since maybe 2016, if not 2015, there is legitimate excitement around this team!