Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Awards

Here we are, the end of the six-week sprint of Spring Training, with our full attention looking forward to the 162-game marathon in what will be the hunt for the 2025 postseason. There were plenty of storylines taking precedence in Bradenton this spring. We are familiar with the end-of-season awards, but will give away the highly sought-after Spring Training Awards in this article.

MVP: Matt Gorski

A midwestern strong man who can hit the ball a mile. Remind you of anyone? Cough, Cough, Garrett Jones? Gorski rises to just 6-foot-2-inches, but hit four home runs and drove in 13 before being optioned to the minors with a week left in spring. His OPS led the Pirates in the spring, and he hit more home runs and drove in more runs than Oneil Cruz in fewer at-bats.

Gorski, an outfielder, is 27 years old and could be this team’s version of a late bloomer like Jones was for the Pirates of the early 2010s. However, the team doesn’t have much time to figure that out. With Cruz and Bryan Reynolds locking down center field and, well, right field, could Gorski eventually come up and conquer the vast left field at PNC Park? He can’t be any worse of an option than Tommy Pham.

Comeback Player of the Spring: Endy Rodriguez

Coming out of the 2023 season, we all thought the Pirates had plenty of options behind the plate. However, Endy Rodriguez had to get Tommy John, and Henry Davis left a lot to be desired offensively and defensively. Joey Bart's emergence while getting a second life with the Pirates last season has him etched in as the No. 1 catcher, but Rodriguez is pressing the organization for the No. 2 spot.

Endy hit .321 with his spring over 28 at-bats. He hit a home run and drove in six runs. His presence on the bases was something to notice as he extended three of his nine hits into extra bases and scored nine runs this spring. 

He played 12 games behind the plate for 56 innings and caught one would-be base stealer.

Cy Young: Paul Skenes

I know, this is a layup. However, can Skenes improve from his ROY campaign in 2024 to this season? The answer is yes. Skenes added two pitches to his arsenal this season, notably a cutter that has made him even more unhittable. 

Skenes threw 18 innings this spring, striking out 23 batters and giving up just five earned runs. With the uncertainty of Jared Jones and his elbow pain going into the regular season, Skenes will have to shoulder even more of the load for the Pirates.

It's worth noting Skenes' nine walks during the spring. However, this is a time to get a feel for his pitches and try new things, so it shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

Coach for the Spring: Matt Hague

Can the hit collector turn into the hit distributor? After the turmoil surrounding the Pirates and their hitting last season, this spring's offensive approach has been a welcome sight. However, could it get any worse than it was with Andy Haines?

While the Pirates’ offensive numbers didn’t exactly jump off the page in the spring, the new hitting coach and the new perspective are more than welcome. 

Rookie of the Spring: Tsung-Che Cheng

Cheng spent last season in Bradenton, and his familiarity with the parks in the FGL played to his advantage in his first MLB Spring Training. He batted .353 in 17 at-bats for the Pirates this spring, hitting a home run and scoring four runs.

While he won’t be a factor in Pittsburgh for a couple of years, seeing these young players take advantage of their time with the big boys is always fun.