Jared Triolo’s Offseason Sparks Pirates Manager’s Confidence
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are counting on Jared Triolo to be their Opening Day third baseman, and manager Don Kelly is all in. Triolo earned a Gold Glove as a versatile player in 2024 and was a finalist again last season, with many believing he deserved the award a second time. By the end of the previous year, his bat showed real improvement, transforming him from a lineup liability into a dependable contributor.
Kelly highlighted Triolo’s defense at third and noted the player’s steady winter progress and strong spring hitting so far. “He’s elite at that position,” Kelly said in a DK Pittsburgh Sports video. “He earned that Gold Glove for a reason—his ability to play all over the field and be well above average in multiple spots. His bat finished last year in a much better place and even reminded us of his end-of-2023 form.” Kelly added that Triolo came to camp in excellent shape, his swing looking sharp, and that his defense remains exceptional across several positions, particularly third.
What Kelly expects from Triolo in 2026
Triolo’s glove has kept him in the Pirates’ plans, but his batting has been a recurring question mark, sometimes limiting him to a reserve role and stints in the minors. In 2026, he slashed .158/.253/.266 over his first 55 games, totaling 22 hits in 139 at-bats before the team optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 11 for more routine at-bats.
His performance upon returning in August, however, offered a brighter outlook: .276/.353/.422 with an OPS of .775 across his final 52 games, producing 53 hits in 192 at-bats, including 12 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 14 RBI, 22 walks to 47 strikeouts, and eight stolen bases in nine attempts.
Triolo’s 2024 season was challenging at the plate, as he hit .216/.296/.315 (OPS .611) across 125 games. By contrast, he had shown strong rookie form in 2023, hitting .298/.388/.398 (OPS .786) in 53 games.
For Triolo to lock down the starting third-base job, he will need to deliver more consistent offense. Kelly believes Triolo is maturing through the tougher periods at the plate, learning how to approach at-bats more effectively and anticipating what pitchers will throw. “I think he’s learned a lot,” Kelly said, “about diving into that process, freeing himself to move and attack, and understanding how opposing pitchers will challenge him.”
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