Triolo's defensive prowess and versatility create exciting infield lineup possibilities for the Pirates' future.
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jared Triolo gives manager Don Kelly options. Triolo is also giving general manager Ben Cherington options this winter.
Triolo can play all four infield positions and fill in on the outfield corners in a pinch. Third base is Triolo’s best position, and the Pirates feel he can handle shortstop defensively on a regular basis.
Thus, Cherington doesn’t have to be particular while trying to acquire someone to play on the left side of the infield. The Pirates could add a shortstop, even though that player would likely be a stopgap until top prospect Konnor Griffin is ready for the major leagues, and play Triolo at third base. Or the Pirates could acquire a third baseman and play Triolo at shortstop.
However it shakes out, the Pirates believe Triolo can be a key player for them this year after having a strong finish last season.
“He’s been a good major league player for a while, really,” Cherington said. “He’s always been able to help the team do a lot of things to help the team win games. Feel like he took another step forward this past season.
“Exactly what role that is, I don’t think we know yet. We’re confident with him at shortstop. We’re confident in him at third base. We’re also confident with him being on the team, and playing six spots, and moving around. It could be any of those. We’ll have time in spring training to sort that out.”
No one questions Triolo’s defensive ability. He won the National League Gold Glove for utility players in 2024 and was a finalist last season when he lost to Miami Marlins rookie Javier Sanoja.
However, Triolo has hit just .236/.320/.347 with 19 home runs in 286 games during his three seasons in the major leagues. Things were going so poorly at the plate last season that Triolo was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 10 and spent three weeks in the minor leagues.
Triolo had a strong finish after being recalled by the Pirates on Aug. 1. In 52 games, he had a .276/.353/.422 slash line with four homers. The Pirates believe it was a sign of things to come for the 27-year-old.
“Still growing,” Cherington said. “Continuing to figure it out at the major league level, make those adjustments, believe he’s got an opportunity ahead of him. We believe he’s a very good defensive player, a versatile defensive player, and can take a step forward offensively.”