Most sportscasters with significant experience have witnessed their teams experience a mix of good and bad seasons. Pittsburgh Pirates announcer Greg Brown has witnessed far more disappointing seasons since taking over the Pirates’ TV play-by-play duties in 1994, during which the team has only seen four winning seasons. However, every baseball fan, player, and broadcaster holds onto hope during spring training, and Brown recently shared his thoughts about 2025 with KDKA’s John Shumway.
This past offseason was quiet for the Pirates, who finished 76-86 in 2024, leaving fans murmuring with concern. Their most notable move was signing veteran outfielder Tommy Pham, who posted a 93 OPS+ last season and will turn 37 next month. While the new first baseman, Spencer Horwitz, could potentially surprise, neither of these additions compares to the likes of Juan Soto or Alex Bregman. Consequently, it’s not surprising that most sportsbooks have placed the Pirates’ win total over/under around 76. Nonetheless, Brown remains optimistic.
“The Pirates are going to win this year, John,” Brown expressed to Shumway, highlighting the team’s pitching, particularly the rotation and bullpen, as a source of optimism. He emphasized the importance of attitude and noted that management is using the word ‘win’ frequently, reflecting a commitment to winning that he hasn’t heard since general manager Ben Cherington joined the organization. Despite the natural optimism expected from team broadcasters, Brown’s perspective is backed by valid points, particularly regarding Pirates’ No. 1 starter Paul Skenes, who had an impressive Rookie of the Year season in 2024 and will be available for the entire upcoming season.
“He has a flair about him, knowing what’s going on. He wants the strikeout. He’s ended a number of his starts with a strikeout. This place will go bonkers if he does…”
Greg Brown with a less is more approach as Pirates ace Paul Skenes fans Harrison Bader to finish his night. pic.twitter.com/EH1BMY7yc0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 6, 2024
Other players contribute to the pitching depth as well; second-year pitcher Jared Jones showed promise at times last season, while veteran Mitch Keller remains consistent. The expected debut of No. 15 prospect Bubba Chandler will add even more starting depth, and despite a tough 2024, closer David Bednar has a history as a two-time All-Star. Questions linger regarding performance at various positions in the field. Will Ke’Bryan Hayes finally find his groove at the plate? Does the talented Oneil Cruz possess the superstar quality to lead a team? Can second baseman Nick Gonzales and catcher Joey Bart elevate their batting performance?
Brown believes that manager Derek Shelton, general manager Cherington, and the rest of the front office are convinced this team is capable of winning. “My job is not at stake based on wins and losses,” Brown stated. “Theirs is, from upper management down, Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton. I mean, it’s out there. They have to win this year. So, believe me, they want to win.” Brown, who began his tenure with the Pirates as a college intern in 1979—when the team last won the World Series—has endured many losing seasons throughout his 31 years in the broadcasting booth, and perhaps he truly deserves a deep postseason run from the Bucs this season.
