Pirates' 2017 Season: A Look Back

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 34 views

Ahoy, mateys! Let's take a nostalgic journey back to the 2017 season of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For fans, it was a year of mixed emotions, filled with exciting plays, tough losses, and a whole lot of baseball. Understanding the Pirates' performance in 2017 requires a detailed examination of their record, key players, and the overall dynamics of the team. So, grab your parrot and wooden leg as we dive deep into the 2017 Pirates season.

The Season's Overview

The 2017 MLB season was a rollercoaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a promising start and high hopes during spring training, the team faced numerous challenges throughout the year. The Pirates finished with an overall record that left many fans wanting more. Let’s break down the specifics:

Regular Season Record: The Pirates ended the 2017 season with a 75-87 record. This placed them in a tough spot in the National League Central Division, where competition was fierce.
Division Standings: They finished fourth in the NL Central, trailing behind teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and the dominant Chicago Cubs. The division race was tight, and the Pirates struggled to keep pace with the leading teams.
Home and Away Record: At home, the Pirates managed a slightly better performance compared to their road games, but neither record was particularly outstanding. Improving both home and away performance is crucial for any team aiming for a playoff berth.

Key Players and Performances

Every baseball season is defined by the standout performances of key players. In 2017, several Pirates players had notable contributions, but consistency across the board was an issue. Here are a few names that stood out:

Andrew McCutchen: Cutch remained a central figure for the Pirates, providing both offensive firepower and leadership. His performance was closely watched, especially amidst trade rumors that swirled around him.
Josh Harrison: J-Hay was a versatile player, contributing both offensively and defensively. His energy and hustle made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the team.
Gerrit Cole: As one of the team's top starting pitchers, Cole had moments of brilliance but also struggled with consistency. His performance was critical to the team's success, and his outings often set the tone for the series.
Starling Marte: While Marte showed flashes of his exceptional talent, his season was marred by an 80-game suspension, impacting the team's overall performance and lineup depth. His absence was a significant setback for the Pirates.

Critical Moments and Games

Throughout the season, several games and moments stood out as pivotal. These games often highlighted the team's strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into their overall performance.

Key Wins: There were games where the Pirates showcased their potential, defeating strong opponents and demonstrating resilience. These wins boosted morale and provided glimpses of what the team was capable of achieving.
Tough Losses: Conversely, there were heartbreaking losses that exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted areas needing improvement. These defeats often came against division rivals, making them even more impactful.
Series Outcomes: The outcomes of series against division rivals significantly impacted the Pirates' standings. Winning series against the Cubs, Cardinals, and Brewers was crucial for climbing the ranks, but consistency was often lacking.

Factors Influencing the Record

Several factors influenced the Pirates' 2017 record. Understanding these elements provides a comprehensive view of the season and the challenges the team faced.

Injuries: Injuries to key players can disrupt team dynamics and impact performance. The Pirates faced their share of injuries, which tested the depth of their roster.
Inconsistent Pitching: The pitching staff experienced inconsistency, with starters and relievers alike having periods of strong performance mixed with struggles. Consistent pitching is essential for any team looking to contend.
Offensive Struggles: While the Pirates had individual offensive bright spots, the team sometimes struggled to string together consistent run production. Improving offensive consistency is key to winning more games.
Defensive Lapses: Defensive errors and missed opportunities can cost games. The Pirates needed to tighten up their defense to prevent opponents from capitalizing on mistakes.

Fan Perspective

From a fan's perspective, the 2017 season was a mix of excitement and disappointment. The highs included thrilling wins and standout performances, while the lows involved frustrating losses and missed opportunities. The Pirates faithful remained passionate, hoping for a turnaround and a brighter future.

Analysis of the Pirates' 2017 Season

To truly understand the Pirates' 2017 season, we need to dive deeper into various aspects such as offensive performance, pitching statistics, defensive metrics, and strategic decisions made by the coaching staff. Let’s analyze what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons learned.

Offensive Performance

Offense is the backbone of any baseball team, and the Pirates' performance at the plate in 2017 was a mixed bag. While they had individual players who shone, the team's overall offensive output lacked consistency. To get a clear picture, let's examine some key offensive statistics.

Batting Average: The Pirates' team batting average in 2017 was decent but not outstanding. It reflected their ability to get hits, but it didn't always translate into scoring runs. A higher batting average with runners in scoring position could have significantly improved their run production.
Home Runs: Home runs are game-changers, and the Pirates' home run numbers were moderate. They had players capable of hitting the long ball, but they didn't consistently produce enough home runs to drive in runs and change the momentum of games.
Runs Scored: The number of runs a team scores is the ultimate measure of offensive success. The Pirates' run production was average, indicating that they often struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Improving their ability to drive in runs with runners on base was crucial.
On-Base Percentage (OBP): OBP reflects a player's ability to get on base, whether through hits, walks, or hit-by-pitches. The Pirates' OBP was decent, suggesting that they could get runners on base, but they needed to do a better job of moving those runners around and driving them in.
Slugging Percentage (SLG): Slugging percentage measures a player's power, reflecting their ability to hit for extra bases. The Pirates' SLG was moderate, indicating that they had some power hitters, but they needed more consistent extra-base hits to boost their offensive output.

Pitching Statistics

Pitching can make or break a baseball team, and the Pirates' pitching staff in 2017 had its ups and downs. Consistency was a major issue, with starters and relievers alike experiencing periods of strong performance mixed with struggles. Let's break down some key pitching statistics.

Earned Run Average (ERA): ERA is a key metric for evaluating a pitcher's performance, reflecting the number of earned runs they allow per nine innings. The Pirates' team ERA was average, indicating that they had some solid pitching performances, but they also had outings where they struggled to keep runs off the board.
Strikeouts (K): Strikeouts are a valuable tool for pitchers, helping them get out of jams and control the game. The Pirates' pitching staff had a decent strikeout rate, but they needed to improve their ability to strike out batters in critical situations.
Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP): WHIP measures a pitcher's ability to limit baserunners, reflecting the number of walks and hits they allow per inning. The Pirates' WHIP was moderate, suggesting that they needed to do a better job of preventing runners from getting on base.
Quality Starts: A quality start is defined as a start in which a pitcher goes at least six innings and allows no more than three earned runs. The Pirates' starting pitchers had a decent number of quality starts, but they needed more consistency in this area.
Saves: Saves are a key metric for evaluating relief pitchers, reflecting their ability to close out games. The Pirates' bullpen had some reliable closers, but they also experienced blown saves and struggles in high-leverage situations.

Defensive Metrics

Defense is an often-overlooked aspect of baseball, but it can be just as important as offense and pitching. The Pirates' defensive performance in 2017 had its moments of brilliance, but they also had lapses that cost them games. Let's examine some key defensive metrics.

Fielding Percentage: Fielding percentage measures a team's ability to make routine plays without committing errors. The Pirates' fielding percentage was decent, but they needed to tighten up their defense and reduce the number of errors they committed.
Errors: Errors can be costly, giving opponents extra opportunities to score runs. The Pirates committed a moderate number of errors, indicating that they needed to improve their defensive focus and execution.
Range Factor: Range factor measures a player's ability to cover ground and make plays in the field. The Pirates had some players with excellent range, but they needed to improve their overall team coverage and communication.
Double Plays: Turning double plays can help a team get out of jams and prevent opponents from scoring. The Pirates turned a decent number of double plays, but they needed to improve their ability to turn double plays in critical situations.
Passed Balls and Wild Pitches: Passed balls and wild pitches can give opponents extra bases and scoring opportunities. The Pirates needed to minimize these mistakes and improve their catching and pitching coordination.

Strategic Decisions

Strategic decisions made by the coaching staff can have a significant impact on a team's performance. The Pirates' coaching staff made various strategic moves throughout the 2017 season, some of which paid off, while others did not. Let's analyze some key strategic decisions.

Lineup Construction: The coaching staff experimented with different lineup combinations, trying to find the optimal batting order. Some lineup configurations were more successful than others, but consistency was often lacking.
Pitching Changes: The timing of pitching changes can be critical, and the coaching staff had to make tough decisions about when to pull starters and bring in relievers. Some pitching changes worked out well, while others backfired.
Defensive Alignments: The coaching staff adjusted defensive alignments based on the opposing team's tendencies and the ballpark dimensions. These adjustments sometimes paid off, but they also required players to adapt to different positions.
Base Running: Aggressive base running can help a team score runs, but it also carries the risk of getting thrown out. The coaching staff encouraged aggressive base running, but they also emphasized the importance of making smart decisions on the basepaths.
Game Management: The coaching staff made various game management decisions, such as when to bunt, when to steal, and when to play for one run. These decisions sometimes worked out well, but they also required a deep understanding of the game situation.

Lessons Learned from the 2017 Season

The 2017 season provided valuable lessons for the Pittsburgh Pirates, both on and off the field. These lessons can help the team improve and make better decisions in the future.

Consistency is Key: The Pirates learned that consistency is essential for success in baseball. They needed to find ways to perform at a high level on a consistent basis, both offensively and defensively.
Pitching Depth Matters: The Pirates realized the importance of having a deep and reliable pitching staff. They needed to develop and acquire more quality pitchers to handle the rigors of a long season.
Defense Wins Games: The Pirates learned that defense can be just as important as offense and pitching. They needed to tighten up their defense and minimize errors to prevent opponents from scoring.
Strategic Thinking Pays Off: The Pirates realized the value of strategic thinking and game management. They needed to make smart decisions in critical situations to maximize their chances of success.
Team Chemistry is Crucial: The Pirates learned that team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for a successful season. They needed to foster a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive.

Conclusion

The 2017 season was a year of learning and growth for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While the team faced challenges and didn't achieve their ultimate goals, they gained valuable experience and insights that can help them improve in the future. By focusing on consistency, pitching depth, defense, strategic thinking, and team chemistry, the Pirates can build a foundation for sustained success and make a run at the playoffs in the years to come. So, keep the faith, Pirates fans, and let's look forward to a brighter future!"