When ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan speaks, baseball fans listen. He stands out among insiders for not only breaking news but also delivering in-depth coverage of the sport. Over the past year, one recurring story has captured his attention: the Pittsburgh Pirates. With young pitching prodigy Paul Skenes and a wealth of arm talent, the team is spending a mere $88 million on its major league roster this season — the fifth lowest in baseball. Since Skenes’ breakout last season, Passan has repeatedly called out the Pirates during his media appearances.
Perhaps Passan’s critical perspective on the Pittsburgh organization runs deeper than what statistics reveal. The initial viral moment in the Passan vs. Pirates saga emerged last September when first baseman Rowdy Tellez was sent down to the minor leagues, denying him a potential $200,000 bonus based on his plate appearances. On The Pat McAfee Show, Passan emphasized that the bigger issue lies not just in the franchise’s treatment of Tellez but in the overall management. He questioned, “Why is Rowdy Tellez your first baseman in the first place? Why aren’t you going out and getting better players?” He further lamented the franchise’s penny-pinching approach, stating, “How do you continue to exist as a Major League Baseball owner who theoretically wants to win a championship and do so pinching pennies? This is the consequence of ownership that does not treat things seriously.”
“The Rowdy Tellez situation happens when ownership doesn’t treat things seriously..
Why do the Pittsburgh Pirates have an $86M payroll to start the season” ~ @JeffPassan #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/sTk3JJk2z0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 25, 2024
Since then, Passan has continuously criticized the Pirates. While Pirates fans may not appreciate his commentary, it seems rooted in genuine concern. On the Talkin’ Baseball podcast, he acknowledged Pittsburgh as the second most dangerous team in the NL Central — only behind Milwaukee — due to its pitching talent. However, teams with lower payrolls than the Pirates are often plagued by issues, like the Chicago White Sox, who had one of the worst seasons in history in 2024, or the Tampa Bay Rays, who have adapted to a low-budget approach long ago. The Athletics are currently in a Triple-A stadium while awaiting a move to Las Vegas, and Miami continues to struggle for relevance since their 2003 World Series victory. In contrast, Passan sees potential in the Pirates, rather than a lost cause, especially given the controversies surrounding owner Bob Nutting.
Recently, the Pirates have publicly apologized to their fans twice. They faced backlash after the team sold an advertisement atop a tribute to Roberto Clemente behind the backs of his family, followed by Nutting’s personal apology after a local paper exposed the team’s disposal of hundreds of commemorative “Bucco Bricks” near the Honus Wagner statue at PNC Park.
Moreover, Passan has positioned the Pirates as an example of MLB’s broader spending dilemma, especially in light of the perceived financial excesses of teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. He discussed this on the Pardon My Take podcast, asserting that anyone advocating for a salary cap must also recognize the competitive imbalance caused when teams like Pittsburgh refuse to invest adequately. He remarked, “Floor comes with a cap. A cap comes with a floor, the two shall never be separated,” and urged, “Just once, please go out and try to field a winning team.”
Whether addressing issues like the federal government’s attempts to reshape the legacy of MLB icon Jackie Robinson or the obstinacy of organizations, Passan has proven unafraid to confront difficult topics, with the Pirates now being his latest focal point. Amidst the scrutiny surrounding the team since Skenes’s arrival and critical discussions in the baseball community, Passan resonates with many baseball fans. Although he may be unable to pressure Nutting into spending more or selling the franchise, his perspectives on the situation remain valid.
