In a move aimed at revamping their struggling squad, the Pittsburgh Pirates parted ways with two members of their coaching staff on Wednesday. The team’s hitting coach and bullpen coach were let go, just three days after the Pirates wrapped up a disappointing season that saw them finish last in their division.
The Pirates’ 76-86 record was marked by a dismal 21-34 stretch after the trade deadline, which ultimately knocked them out of playoff contention. A lackluster offense was a major contributor to the team’s downfall, failing to show significant improvement over the course of three seasons.
This year, the Pirates ranked near the bottom of the league in key offensive categories, including batting average, runs scored, home runs, and on-base percentage. Their bullpen, which was expected to be a strong point, instead faltered badly. The team’s closer lost his job late in the season, and another key reliever struggled through a tough August, taking three losses. The Pirates blew a total of 29 save opportunities this season, a mark surpassed only by the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox, who suffered through a 121-loss campaign.
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