The Pirates' Piggyback Puzzle: A Misstep or a Masterstroke?
Let’s talk about the Pittsburgh Pirates and their curious case of the ‘piggyback’ strategy. If you’ve been following the team, you’ve likely scratched your head at the decision to pair Carmen Mlodzinski with Jared Jones in a way that feels more like a comedy sketch than a strategic baseball move. Personally, I think this is one of those moments where the front office might be overthinking things—or worse, underthinking them.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Mlodzinski is being used. Here’s a guy with electric arm talent, yet he’s being thrown into games in situations that feel almost punitive. Take the recent 5-1 loss to the Athletics, where Mlodzinski was summoned to throw 75 pitches in a game that was already out of reach. In my opinion, that’s not just a waste of his innings; it’s a waste of his potential. If you take a step back and think about it, this raises a deeper question: Are the Pirates truly committed to developing Mlodzinski, or are they just shuffling pieces without a clear plan?
One thing that immediately stands out is the Pirates’ insistence on keeping Mlodzinski in a starter-type role, even from the bullpen. The rationale, I assume, is to preserve his ability to step back into the rotation if needed. But here’s the thing: if he’s in the bullpen, why not use him in high-leverage situations where his talent can actually make a difference? What many people don’t realize is that Mlodzinski’s numbers—nearly 100 baserunners in 65 2/3 innings and a modest strikeout rate—aren’t exactly screaming ‘future ace.’ So, why not experiment with him in shorter, more impactful outings?
From my perspective, this piggyback strategy feels like a bandaid solution for a much larger problem: the Pirates’ lack of pitching depth. Dennis Santana’s recent revival is a bright spot, but it’s not enough to carry the team. And let’s not forget the offense, which has been anemic without Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz. What this really suggests is that the Pirates are in a precarious position—one that could see them selling at the trade deadline instead of buying.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of manager Don Kelly in all this. Is he calling the shots, or is he just following orders from GM Ben Cherington? Professional sports teams are notorious for their opacity, so we may never know. But what’s clear is that Kelly’s decisions, whether his own or dictated, are raising eyebrows. Personally, I think the Pirates need to give Kelly more autonomy to make bold moves, like prioritizing Endy Rodriguez’s bat over Henry Davis’s glove at catcher. Rodriguez’s .905 OPS speaks for itself, and in a lineup that’s struggling to score runs, every bit of offense counts.
If you ask me, the piggyback scenario isn’t the worst bullpen mismanagement in MLB history—it’s just the most baffling. It’s not a terrible idea on paper, but the execution has been questionable at best. What’s worse is that it’s overshadowing other pressing issues, like the team’s inability to field or pitch consistently. If the Pirates don’t turn things around soon, they risk becoming the laughingstock of the league—a title they’re already flirting with thanks to this piggyback debacle.
So, where do we go from here? In my honest opinion, the Pirates need to rethink their approach to Mlodzinski. Either commit to him as a starter, or use him in a way that maximizes his strengths in the bullpen. And while they’re at it, they should address their offensive woes by getting Griffin and Cruz back into the lineup—or at least finding a way to utilize Griffin’s running ability while he rehabs his arm.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Pirates’ situation is a microcosm of a larger trend in baseball: the struggle to balance player development with immediate team needs. But what’s happening in Pittsburgh feels particularly avoidable. With a few smart moves—like trading for bullpen help or giving Kelly more leeway—the Pirates could turn their season around.
In the end, the piggyback puzzle isn’t just about Mlodzinski or Jones. It’s about the Pirates’ identity as a team and their willingness to make tough decisions. Personally, I’m not holding my breath for a quick fix, but I’m hopeful that this season will at least serve as a learning experience. Because, let’s be honest, if they don’t learn from this, they’re doomed to repeat it. And that’s a future no Pirates fan wants to see.
