Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher Predicted to Breakout in 2025

Title: Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher Predicted to Breakout in 2025 Jared Jones, a rookie right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates, had a notable first season, contributing to the team's pitching success alongside Paul Skenes. MLB.com identified Jones as a potential breakout player for the Pirates in 2025, highlighting his solid rookie performance despite some struggles. Jones recorded 132 strikeouts over 121.2 innings, but his ERA was inflated to 4.14 due to several poor outings. The development of a reliable curveball as a third pitch is seen as crucial for Jones to enhance his performance and consistency. His season was characterized by contrasting halves; he started strong before the All-Star Break, with a 3.56 ERA and 5-6 record. After the All-Star Break, Jones faced challenges, including a strained right lat that sidelined him for nearly two months, impacting his performance. Upon returning, his ERA rose to 5.87 over six starts, and he struggled to pitch deep into games. Opponents batted significantly better against Jones after his injury, reflecting a decline in his effectiveness. The Pirates' pitching staff has the potential to become one of the best in baseball if their young pitchers, including Jones, continue to develop. Jones's health and performance in 2025 will be critical for the Pirates' pitching success moving forward.

Original Article: https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-jared-jones-predicted-breakout-2025

Original Article Author: Nathaniel Marrero