As the first month of the 2023 season comes to a close, the Pittsburgh Pirates lead the National League with 18 wins, a rather shocking development.
Not only are they leading the senior circuit in victories, the Pirates have arguably the best vibes in the NL. That’s in large part because Andrew McCutchen — who won the 2013 NL MVP with the Pirates — returned to the team on a one-year/$5 million deal in January.
The former Phillie was greeted with a touching standing ovation on April 7, when the Pirates defeated the Chicago White Sox in their home opener:
Beyond being great for sentimental reasons, McCutchen’s return to Pittsburgh has played out very well on the field to this point. Now 36, McCutchen is slashing .269/.366/.513 with five home runs, 13 RBIs and an .879 OPS.
Vince Velasquez has been reunited with McCutchen in Pittsburgh, as he received a one-year/$3.15 million deal to join the Buccos.
One of the more frustrating Phillies pitchers in recent memory, Velasquez gave Pittsburgh a glimpse into his potential last Sunday when he struck out 10 Cincinnati Reds batters and allowed just two hits over seven shutout innings:
Now 30 years old, Velasquez is 3-2 with a 3.76 ERA and 4.14 FIP in his first five starts with the Pirates.
Carlos Santana — who had a forgettable 2018 season (unless you were a clubhouse TV) with the Phillies during an otherwise solid career — is also now a Pirate. The 37-year-old continues to produce offensively, as he has a .753 OPS early on in the 2023 season.
Bryan Reynolds has never been a Phillie, although he’s been speculated upon as a trade target in the past. The former All-Star won’t be leaving Pittsburgh anytime soon, as he inked an especially team-friendly extension with the Pirates earlier this week.
In a weird scheduling quirk, the Phillies won’t see the Pirates until they travel to PNC Park July 28-30. However, the three former Phillies may have a chance to prevent the Phillies from reaching the postseason when they visit Citizens Bank Park for the final home series of the season Sept. 26-28. Heck, perhaps the two teams will be competing for an NL Wild Card spot.
