After a scintillating start of the 2023 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have fallen back to earth a bit. As of Thursday afternoon, they were already fourth in the NL Central with a 40-46 record and a -40 run differential.
Still, even with the bitter taste on their mouths that they actually led the division until not so long ago, Pirates fans must feel good about the direction of the franchise. All-Star Mitch Keller has finally developed into an ace, they extended Bryan Reynolds, they have had several prospects make the majors (including 2021 No. 1 overall pick, Henry Davis), and they still have help on the way if we consider that top-100 prospects Endy Rodriguez, Termarr Johnson, and Quinn Priester are still in the minors.