New Look Bucs: What is Pirates Ceiling in '23?

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Andre Curtis. Follow him on Twitter @AndretheRegular

The oddsmakers in Las Vegas believe that the Pittsburgh Pirates will win 67 games this season.

Every so often, Las Vegas is wrong.

Eight years ago, the Pirates won a miraculous 98 games. That season came to an abrupt end. The Pirates would lose the National League Wildcard game 4-0 at PNC Park to their division rival, The Chicago Cubs.

The Pirates didn't just lose. Anyone who calls themselves a Pirates fan remembers this game well. The Buccos got embarrassed by a virtually unstoppable Jake Arietta, who threw a complete game shutout while striking out 11 batters.

Andrew McCutchen is the only remaining player on the Pirates who played in that Wildcard game. 

So, is it ludicrous to think that the Pirates could make the NL Wildcard again in 2023? The short answer is yes. The Pirates making the playoffs in any capacity this season would be so undeniably ridiculous that it is amusing even to type out the thought. 

Ok, that may be harsh. After all, the Bucs have a capable lineup this year. O'Neil Cruz is quickly becoming one of the most marketable, flashy players in the National League. How could a 6'7 shortstop who can hit, run, and field not be? 

Behind Cruz, the batting order comprises many skillful veterans and more intriguing young talent. With big league names like Andrew McCutchen, Bryan Reynolds, Carlos Santana, and Ji-man Choi, the Bucs have more than a few competent bats in the lineup. 

The Pirates will no doubt score more runs than fans are used to seeing in the last several seasons. The pitching, though, is where Las Vegas could be correct with the 67 wins prediction. 

The Buccos' starting rotation is middling at best, and their bullpen is (at least on paper) abominable.

It would not be shocking if the Pirates are top 10 in the league for runs scored this season and still only win around 70 games. That is how inexperienced and pitiful the bullpen could be in 2023. Yes, hometown kid David Bednar is an elite talent out of the bullpen, but to be a playoff team in the MLB, a team needs more than one great guy.

If the Pirates could hover around .500 until the trade deadline in early August, trading for a bullpen arm or two or three would likely be priority number one. 

For now though, the Pirates are happily undefeated with a record of 1-0. 

Let's take it one game at a time with these new-look Buccos.