The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t that far removed from being one of the best teams in the National League. But after making three straight playoff appearances from 2013-2015, the Bucs have suffered through two disappointing seasons and found themselves at a crossroads this offseason -- were the past couple years bad luck (whether due to injury, PED suspensions, a promising young player not being allowed to enter the United States due to his DUI problems in his home country, or all of the above) or a sign their window was closing?
Pittsburgh’s front office ultimately decided it was time to tear it down and start over -- or, if it wasn’t a total rebuild, to at least try something new.