Pittsburgh Pirates vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions September 13th 2024

Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals Set Their Sights on a Playoff Push Against the Pirates

It’s been a while since the Pittsburgh Pirates or Kansas City Royals have been involved in late-season drama, but things are looking different now. As the Royals head to Pittsburgh for a crucial three-game series starting Friday, they’re fully locked into playoff mode. While the Pirates are winding down another tough season, Kansas City is chasing a postseason spot for the first time since their 2015 World Series win.

Royals on the Playoff Hunt

Kansas City Royals (80-67) have their eyes firmly on the prize, holding onto a slim 1.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins for the second AL Wild Card spot. They’re also within reach of overtaking the Baltimore Orioles for the top Wild Card position, just three games behind them. So, there’s plenty of opportunity for the Royals to strengthen their standing as the regular season comes to an end.

This season, the Royals have been a perfect mix of promising youth and steady veterans. They’ve exceeded expectations, and much of their success stems from the breakout season of Bobby Witt Jr., who’s playing at an MVP level.

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Bobby Witt Jr.’s Stellar Season

At just 24 years old, Bobby Witt Jr. is making a name for himself as one of the league’s brightest stars. He’s leading the majors with a .333 batting average and is tied with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in wins above replacement (WAR) at an impressive 9.6. But Witt isn’t just raking at the plate—his defense and speed on the bases make him one of the most exciting players to watch right now.

“Bobby’s unreal, man. He does everything, whether it’s hitting, fielding, or running the bases,” said teammate Cole Ragans. “We get to watch him every day, and it’s a privilege.”

Even though Witt is having an MVP-worthy season, he might finish behind Judge, who’s on track for an epic 60-home-run season. Still, Witt has proven he’s the cornerstone of this Royals franchise and promises an exciting future for Kansas City fans.

Salvador Perez: Leading by Example

While Witt represents the future of the Royals, veteran catcher Salvador Perez has been equally critical to the team’s success. The 34-year-old leads the Royals with 101 RBIs and has committed just three errors while splitting time between catcher and first base. His presence in the lineup has been rock solid, especially during the recent series against the Yankees, where he went 7-for-9 with a home run and six RBIs.

Perez’s growth at the plate has also been notable. His walk rate is now at 6.9%, the highest since Statcast started tracking in 2015, something Royals manager Matt Quatraro didn’t hesitate to praise.

“What’s really stood out is how selective he’s become at the plate. He knows how teams are going to pitch to him and adjusts accordingly,” Quatraro said.

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Pirates Focus on Rebuilding Despite Tough Season

On the other side of the diamond, the Pittsburgh Pirates (70-76) are wrapping up another losing season, sitting 10 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot. They’ve struggled since early August, going 14-22, and are on track to miss the playoffs for the ninth straight year. However, the Pirates are still confident about their future and the direction their rebuild is taking.

Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington expressed his belief in manager Derek Shelton, confirming that Shelton will be back in 2025. Despite overseeing five straight losing seasons, Shelton remains optimistic, especially about the growing depth of their pitching staff.

“We’re in a much better place now compared to where we were two years ago with our starting pitching,” Shelton said. “There’s still work to be done offensively, but the pitching depth is something we can hang our hats on.”

Luis Ortiz Takes the Mound for the Pirates

In Friday’s series opener, the Pirates will turn to 25-year-old right-hander Luis L. Ortiz (6-5, 3.26 ERA), who has shown some promising flashes this season. Ortiz threw a career-high 100 pitches in his last outing, allowing four runs (three earned) over 5 2/3 innings against the Nationals. He’s no stranger to the Royals either, having pitched five solid innings of one-run ball in a win over Kansas City last year.

The Pirates have some momentum on their side, riding a four-game win streak that includes a sweep of the Miami Marlins. Ortiz will look to keep that streak going as he faces a Royals lineup with everything to play for.

Royals Keep Fans Guessing on Starting Pitcher

As of Thursday, the Royals haven’t revealed who will take the mound for Friday’s game, adding a layer of mystery. But no matter who starts, Kansas City will be laser-focused on keeping their playoff dreams alive, with just a few weeks left in the regular season.

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Two Teams, Two Very Different Stories

This series between the Royals and Pirates highlights the different paths both teams are on. Kansas City is fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot, building on what’s been an unexpectedly successful season. The Pirates, meanwhile, are in full rebuild mode, focusing on developing young talent and preparing for a brighter future.

For the Royals, it’s all about balancing the energy of rising stars like Bobby Witt Jr. with the leadership of veterans like Salvador Perez. For the Pirates, while this season may not end with a playoff berth, the growing strength of their pitching staff and commitment to developing their lineup keep them optimistic.

Both teams may have different short-term goals, but they share the same long-term dream: building a squad that can compete for championships. And as this series shows, the unpredictable beauty of baseball is that anything can happen, from playoff runs to breakout stars, and every game matters.