Hitting coach Matt Hague explains what has led to Pirates’ uptick in offense

CHICAGO — While the sample size is certainly small, the amount of ground the Pirates had to cover was also large.

I’m talking, of course, about the team’s offense, which ranked last in MLB in 2025 in runs, home runs, OPS and more, shortcomings that framed much of what the Pirates did over the winter.

The early returns have been excellent.

Entering their weekend series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Pirates are tied for 13th in runs with 54 — and that’s the worst among the offense’s major rankings.

Among the others:

• OPS: 7th (.721)

• Home runs: Tied-9th (12)

• Batting average, 8th (.247)

• On-base percentage: 6th (.338)

• Slugging percentage: 8th (.383)

Here’s one of the crazier stats I’ve seen on their offensive progress: The Pirates (7-5) have scored seven or more runs in five games this season, which is tied for the third-most in MLB. Their fifth game scoring seven or more runs last season didn’t come until May 27. (They finished last in games where they scored seven or more runs with 24.)

What has changed?

“They’re bringing [pitchers] into their zones,” Pirates hitting coach Matt Hague told me Friday morning.

“Our messaging the first couple months, including Spring Training, has been getting our best swings off. A lot goes into that, but when we’re going well, that’s what’s happening.

“Guys are working. It’s showing. We’re fighting for consistency and trying to be dynamic.”

Hague and I chatted about a few different things for Saturday’s Bucco Talk on 93.7 The Fan. You can hear the full interview there. Here are some of the highlights.

Deeper lineup

A consistent talking point among Pirates players has been better lineup protection. Oneil Cruz specifically mentioned getting much better pitches to hit.

I asked Hague about this, and he built on it by saying it’s not just having more quality hitters. You also want diverse skill sets.

“There was a lot of design in the offseason — who we’re acquiring, why, how we’re going to construct the lineup, matchups, trying to get rid of the big pockets for righty-lefty advantages,” Hague said. “I think it’s just the idea of trying to build a dynamic lineup, guys who know how to hit, who can do different things, different handedness and pitch profiles. It’s shown so far.”

‘He took it personally’

I also asked Hague about a few guys individually: Oneil Cruz, Marcell Ozuna, Konnor Griffin and Henry Davis.

Hague’s answer on Cruz was the most resolute I’ve heard from anyone this season.

Cruz began Friday’s game hitting .292 with a .916 OPS that includes four homers and two doubles.

Only six MLB hitters have more than his 12 RBIs. Cruz has also gone seven for 13 (.538) with three home runs against left-handed pitchers, a stark contrast from 2025 (11 for 108, .102, 1 home run).

“It’s all about efficiency with [Cruz], trying to find a proper setup where it’s extremely repeatable,” Hague said. “Sometimes when he’s had to [go the opposite way], it can bleed into the timing. But he’s been very efficient.

“His hard work has paid off. A week into the offseason, he was hiring a left-handed batting practice thrower. He was determined. It’s a credit to him. He took it personally last year. It’s good to see him respond the way he did.”

'Very aware'

Konnor Griffin has been the big leagues for a week, but he’s already making adjustments. Following his double in the home opener, Griffin fell into an 0-for-12 skid while the details of his massive contract were finalized.

While that surely consumed plenty of the 19-year-old’s bandwidth, Hague said there were conversations behind the scenes about Griffin knowing he needing to trust himself and understand what pitchers were trying to do.

If you watch Griffin’s at-bats closely, you’ll see his swing decisions on breaking stuff out of the zone have improved. That should force pitchers to throw fastballs for strikes, tipping the scales in Griffin’s favor.

“He felt the difference right away,” Hague said. “He made some comments to where he has to really trust himself.

“All of this other stuff that’s going on behind the scenes, he’s a mature kid, very aware. It’s more letting him go about it, refine what he was thinking in certain situations. The talent is so great, you want to let it shine. And help him understand what pitchers are trying to do to him.

“He’s adjusted and responded extremely well. There are very brights things ahead for him.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.