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MLB Rankings: Projecting the worst teams for 2021

By Adam Taylor McKillop

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 08: Chris Davis #19 of the Baltimore Orioles walks to the dugout after striking out in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 08: Chris Davis #19 of the Baltimore Orioles walks to the dugout after striking out in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Pirates Ke'Bryan Hayes
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Pirates: the rebuild has begun

If there was any chance the Pittsburgh Pirates weren’t entering a full rebuild, last year and this past offseason cemented it. Pittsburgh finished last season as the MLB’s worst team in terms of win-loss record. The Pirates managed just 19 wins and 41 losses. On the heels of this brutally underwhelming performance, the front office went into full rebuild mode this offseason.

Pittsburgh traded Josh Bell, Joe Musgrove, and Jameson Taillon during the break. These three names comprised the only real, tangible talent the Pirates had on the roster last season. Bell was sent away to the Washington Nationals for a pair of right-handed pitchers. Musgrove headed to San Diego as part of a three-team deal with the New York Mets. Pittsburgh only returned prospect Endy Rodriguez in the deal. Finally, the Pirates sent Taillon to the New York Yankees for four more prospects.

Pittsburg did acquire veteran starting pitcher Tyler Anderson in free agency, but the rest of the roster is comprised of young talent looking to take small, positive steps this year. The supporting cast, highlighted by names such as Kevin Newman at shortstop, Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base, and starting pitcher Mitch Keller, should take this next step. However, the loss of Pittsburgh’s three biggest talents in Bell, Musgrove, and Taillon will hurt this team in the short-term.

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