Welcome to 2024, everyone! 2023 saw the Pittsburgh Pirates make a 14 game improvement in wins, going from 62-100 in 2022 to 76-86 this past season. Now, it is up to the front office, coaches, and players to help the team make another jump in 2024.

2024 will see Oneil Cruz return to the Pirates after missing essentially the entire 2023 season due to his broken ankle. Something else Pirate fans should have to look forward to this season is the MLB debut of the no. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, pitcher Paul Skenes.

Fans will also get to watch Ke’Bryan Hayes in his efforts to defend his first of what will likely be many National League Gold Glove Awards. Can the best defensive third baseman in baseball win a second cosnecuitve Gold Glove Award? Can he begin to put a stranglehold on the award like Nolan Arenado had before Hayes ended? We may begin to find out in 2024.

Other prospects such as Mike Burrows (when back from Tommy John surgery), Jared Jones, and Anthony Solometo could make their MLB debuts this year as well. Pirate fans will also have watching Henry Davis to see if he can breakout and show why he was selected no. 1 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft. As well as watching to see if any other young players can make a leap.

Finally, there will be another year of Andrew McCutchen. As Noah discussed last week, 2024 could be a season filled with milestones for Cutch. Watching Cutch reach these milestones, especially his 300th home run, will be fun throughout the season for Cutch, the Pirates, and fans.

Also, as we close out 2023, we want to give all of you a huge thank you! 2023 was the most successful month in Rum Bunter history and it was capped off with the most successful December in site history.

From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you to everyone who reads the sites, follows us on social media, interacts on social media, etc. Without yinz guys none of our success would be possible. Here’s to even bigger and better things in 2024! Happy New Year!