Around the Curve | Curve Broadcasters Make Their Predictions for the 2024 Season
Baseball is officially back in Curve, PA! Fans will soon be filling the seats at Peoples Natural Gas Field eager to see Future Pirates stars, enjoy Curve burgers, and take in all of the Off the Rail Fun that a Curve game has to offer! Curve broadcasters Jon Mozes and
Baseball is officially back in Curve, PA! Fans will soon be filling the seats at Peoples Natural Gas Field eager to see Future Pirates stars, enjoy Curve burgers, and take in all of the Off the Rail Fun that a Curve game has to offer!
Curve broadcasters Jon Mozes and Preston Shoemaker are entering their fourth season on the air together in Altoona, and before the home opener on April 9, they answered some questions on their expectations for the 2024 Curve squad.
1. Who is the player on the Altoona Curve roster that excites you the most?
Jon – I’m excited to see more of Bubba Chandler. I love to watch young pitchers come into their own and Chandler has the type of stuff that you can dream on at the front of Pittsburgh’s rotation holding down a killer 1-2 tandem with Paul Skenes. He’s got the type of fastball that hitters just cannot catch up to and has feel for an ability to land both his breaking balls for strikes. At just 21-year-old he’s going to be one of the big stories for the Curve to start the season.
First strikeout of the campaign for @Bubbachandler_!
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) April 5, 2024
LISTEN: https://t.co/aioWvW3Svf
WATCH: https://t.co/6GP894jPtF pic.twitter.com/KvLEjI1Ihb
Preston – If Jon is taking Bubba, then I’ll go with Anthony Solometo. This Curve roster is loaded with big time pitching talent, and Solometo is one of the best. After making it to Altoona last season as a 20-year-old, Anthony returns to Double-A this season with his eyes set on climbing the ranks. His delivery is somewhat funky from the left side, making it difficult for hitters to track the ball against him. I'm excited to see what he can do returning to Double-A, where he struck out 50 batters in 51.2 IP last season. Solometo and Chandler will be linked as they climb the ranks in the Pirates system, but its not outlandish to think about both joining the Pirates rotation within the next two seasons.
#Pirates No. 4 prospect Anthony Solometo allowed just one hit over four scoreless innings in his season debut Sunday.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/YwqyPQp41m
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) April 9, 2024
2. Who is an underrated player to keep an eye on?
Jon – I’ve been impressed by infielder Jackson Glenn. He had a nice runway of games last year after Liover Peguero was promoted to Triple-A and I think he’s got a little more in the bat than he showcased last year. I think we’ll be looking at the Eastern League leaderboards in June/July/August and seeing his name all over the place. Plus, he seems to have a steady glove at second and third base with occasional reps at shortstop this year that should make him a valuable player for the Curve.
Oh yeah, we're cooking now.@JacksonCGlenn drives in @mattfraizer3 and it's 3-2 in the 6th. pic.twitter.com/ZEvSRtVZOJ
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) April 6, 2024
Preston – Coming out of the Curve bullpen, Valentin Linarez is a guy who could open some eyes this season in Altoona. His Double-A numbers are limited to just three games, with two coming late in the 2023 season after a full season’s work at Greensboro. Linarez has a fastball that can sit 94-96 and touch as high as 98mph. He uses a slider and a splitter that have sharp movement and averages a high spin rate on all three offerings. Linarez has never pitched above Double-A, and the 24-year-old from the Dominican Republic is only in his second season as a permanent bullpen option, but if he can stay in the strike zone he could string together some strong numbers this season.
Nasty stuff from Valentin Linarez in the 6th, in 2 innings of relief he's got 5 strikeouts!
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) April 7, 2024
We trail the 'Ducks 1-0 pic.twitter.com/pQQHUQbXzj
3. Who will hit the most home runs this season for the Curve?
Jon – I’m going to go with Jase Bowen. A year ago, he led Pirates minor leaguers with 23 homers and while the majority of those came at hitter-friendly Greensboro, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up in the 15-20 range again this year.
Preston – A season ago, the Curve had four players hit 10+ home runs, with Matt Gorski leading the way after hitting 17 home runs in 93 games. One home run behind Gorski was Mason Martin, who hit 16 in roughly a half-season’s worth of games with the Curve (69). I am going out on a limb here and saying that the leader in home runs for Altoona this season is not on the current roster. Aaron Shackelford and Seth Beer each have decent power, but I do not expect either to spend a full season with the Curve. Instead, I think Termarr Johnson will lead the way in the long ball category for Altoona. He knocked 18 last season while dodging injuries and playing in 105 games between Bradenton and Greensboro. It will depend on when Johnson gets the call, but if it comes before July, I think Termarr could outpace the others.
4. Fill in the blank: The Curve will make the playoffs if _ happens.
Jon – the starting pitching sticks together. Winning in this game often comes down to who has to use less of their bullpen on a daily basis and with Bubba Chandler, Anthony Solometo, Braxton Ashcraft, Sean Sullivan (who, by the way, was 6th in the Eastern League in ERA last year) and Po-Yu Chen slated to start the year, the Curve have to feel good about whoever is taking the ball each day of the week. I think if that group of five sticks around for 15-20 starts each, then we’ll be looking at a postseason berth in Altoona.
Preston – the offense meets expectations. There are certainly very few question marks with the pitching staff to start the season, but offense is going to be a crucial part of the playoff picture for Altoona. Jase Bowen, Aaron Shackelford, Matt Fraizer, and Seth Beer have all hit 20+ home runs in a season in their careers. Factor that in with guys who do a decent job of getting on base such as Tsung-Che Cheng, Jackson Glenn, and Tres Gonzalez and you have a solid blueprint for success. Strong pitching will lead to low-scoring games, so if Altoona can find a way to score runs regularly and have an average offense, this is a team that could play meaningful baseball in late September.
5. Who is a prospect not currently in Altoona who you expect to arrive soon?
Jon – The easy answer here is Termarr Johnson, Pittsburgh’s first round pick in 2022 out of high school in Georgia. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in Altoona when the weather warms up, but another name to keep an eye on for me is lefty Hunter Barco. Barco was a second-round pick in 2022 and missed extensive time recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, during his rehab, word was that he re-worked his arm action to become more consistent without losing the deception he showcased at Florida. He looked great at the Spring Breakout game and I heard good things from folks around Pirate City during Spring Training, so I think he’s a guy who could really impact the Curve once we get a few weeks into the season.
Preston – A name I was expecting to see on the Break Camp roster for the Curve was No. 10 prospect Jack Brannigan, who begins the season in Greensboro. Brannigan was just one home run shy of a 20-20 season last year, playing in 87 games between Bradenton and Greensboro. The former third round pick out of Notre Dame is in his third season as a Pirates minor leaguer and was a non-roster invite to Pirates spring training this spring. He can play around the infield, with third base being his most likely landing spot, and draws walks well. I see Brannigan hitting his way out of Greensboro early in the season, possibly joining Altoona when a player like Seth Beer or Aaron Shackelford gets promoted to Triple-A.
Stay tuned to the Around the Curve blog all season long at altoonacurve.com/blog.
Pirates Reveal 2025 Altoona Curve Break Camp Roster
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Friday an initial list of 29 players reporting to Altoona for the 2025 season. The player list features five players that are ranked in the Pirates Top 30 prospects by MLB.com, including two in the Top 10 and one player ranked among the
Altoona Curve Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
CURVE, PA –The Altoona Curve are pleased to share the full 2025 promotional schedule, which will once again feature a theme or promotion for all 69 home games at Peoples Natural Gas Field! “After a long winter of work, we are excited to share the exciting promotional schedule for our
Altoona Curve Announces Return of “Pints for Vets” Tasting Event
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the return of Pints for Vets, presented by Ward Trucking. The beer, wine, & spirits sampling event will be held at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Saturday, June 28, with proceeds benefiting Band of Heroes Outdoors, a nonprofit organization that
Altoona Curve Announce New Changes at Peoples Natural Gas Field for the 2025 Season
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the newest staff additions and stadium policies at Peoples Natural Gas Field that will be put in place for the 2025 season, presented by Stuckey Automotive. “It is hard to believe that the offseason has flown by already,” said Curve
SportsNet Pittsburgh To Air 20 Curve Games at PNG Field During 2025 Campaign
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce that 20 home games during the 2025 season will air on SportsNet Pittsburgh. “We are so really looking forward to expanding our partnership with SportsNet Pittsburgh to air more Altoona Curve games this season,” said Curve General Manager Nate Bowen.
Pirates Spring Breakout Game to be Broadcasted on Curve Radio Network
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Altoona Curve is excited to announce that the Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Breakout Game will be broadcasted live on the Fly Altoona Curve Radio Network on Friday, March 14 at 1:05 p.m. from Clearwater, Florida. Fans can listen to the game on 96.1 Hank-FM, Pirates.com, the MLB
Around the Curve | Eight Former Curve Named to Pirates Spring Breakout Roster
CURVE, PA. – MLB's annual prospect Showcase, the Spring Breakout game, will pit top Pirates minor league prospects against top Phillies prospects on Friday, March 14 at 1:05 p.m. at Clearwater's Baycare Ballpark, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. (Info). The Pirates vs. Phillies game will be broadcast nationally on MLB
Andy Fox Named Altoona Curve Manager for 2025 Season
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates and Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the 2025 Coaching Staff for the upcoming season in Curve, PA, headlined by new manager Andy Fox. “I am thrilled to welcome Andy Fox and his staff to Curve, PA for the 2025 season,” said Curve General
Curve Accepting Nominations for 1st Summit Bank Teachers of the Year to be Honored on Teacher Appreciation Night
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the opening of the 2025 1st Summit Bank Teachers of the Year Competition. Three nominated teachers will be named Teachers of the Year with a special on-field ceremony on Teacher Appreciation Night, presented by 1st Summit Bank, on Saturday, May
Third Year of Curve Charities Generates Over $84,000 in Donations to Area Non-Profits
CURVE, PA – Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting local youth programs and organizations that promote exercise, health, activity and education for the betterment of youth and community, is pleased to announce recipients of grant money and in-kind services for the 2024 grant cycle. The 2024 grant
CurveFest Returns to Peoples Natural Gas Field on March 1
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the return of CurveFest, presented by Ravine, on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A spring celebration of Curve Baseball at CurveFest will give fans their first opportunity to purchase single-game tickets, and the first 200 fans
Curve to Host Promotional Calendar Kick-Off Event at Levity Brewing Company
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce a brand new kick off event to reveal the 2025 Promotional Schedule, inviting fans to join them on Monday, February 24 at Levity Brewing Company in Altoona for First Pitch: A 2025 Season Preview. The February First Pitch event is
Curve Charities Gala Set to Return on Saturday, February 8
CURVE, PA –Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization, are pleased to announce the return of the Curve Charities Gala on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Altoona Grand Hotel. The fundraiser features a special appearance from Curve alumnus and former Pittsburgh Pirate Ian Snell as well as a silent auction
Around the Curve | Paul Skenes Wins Rookie of the Year Award
CURVE, Pa. – Paul Skenes has gone from college phenom to rookie sensation in a year’s time, and the accolades are just beginning to pile up. After a dominant campaign that stacks up as one of the best rookie seasons by a pitcher in Major League history, Skenes has been
Around the Curve | Jared Triolo Wins First Gold Glove Award
CURVE, Pa. – In 2022, Jared Triolo took the field in his Altoona Curve uniform to accept his Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award for his fantastic infield play at Greensboro in 2021. Next season, he will repeat the action in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. Triolo was named the winner
Curve Announce 2025 Game Times and Fireworks Dates at Peoples Natural Gas Field
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce home game times and fireworks dates for the 2025 season. Game times are subject to change. The 2025 season will once again feature 6:00 p.m. start times for many of the team’s home games
Curve Charities Grant Program Accepting Grant Applications for 2024
CURVE, PA – Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization devoted to supporting local youth programs and organizations, is pleased to announce that Grant Applications for the 2024 Grant Program are available now to area non-profits that promote healthy living for the betterment of youth and community. The 2024 Grant Program
Curve Announce 2024 Team Awards
CURVE, PA – Prior to their penultimate game of the season on Saturday night the Curve honored four players with their annual team awards. Infielder Kervin Pichardo was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for 2024. Bubba Chandler was named the team’s Pitcher of the Year, Eddy Yean was named
Bowen and Wilson Go Back-to-Back In Finale Win
CURVE, Pa. – Jase Bowen and Eli Wilson banged back-to-back home runs to lead Altoona to a 5-1 win over Richmond in front of 4,330 fans on Sunday afternoon at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Jaycob Deese started a bullpen day for the Curve and went three innings allowing only one
Curve Fall in Penultimate Game of the Season
CURVE, Pa. – Jase Bowen hit his ninth home run of the season for the Curve on Saturday night, but the Richmond Flying Squirrels snapped Altoona’s three-game winning streak with a 7-2 defeat of the Curve at Peoples Natural Gas Field. The Curve welcomed 7,027 fans to PNG Field on
Third Straight Win Highlighted by Ten Late Runs
CURVE, Pa. – The Curve scored ten unanswered runs to complete a comeback win, 10-3, over the Richmond Flying Squirrels in front of 4,947 fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Friday night. Trailing 3-0 in the sixth, the Curve scored their first two runs of the night on a
Curve Offense Capitalizes Off Squirrels Miscues
CURVE, Pa. – The Curve picked up a second straight win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Thursday night in front of 3,814 fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez went 1-for-4 in his third game on major league rehab assignment, catching seven innings in the field.
Bowen and Dixon Lead Late Rally Over Squirrels
CURVE, Pa. – Altoona won a wild back-and-forth affair, 8-7, over the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Wednesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez doubled in his first at-bat of the night and scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first. Rodriguez went 1-for-5
Squirrels Fly Past Curve in Series Opener
CURVE, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels took advantage of four Curve errors to take a 6-2 win over the Curve on Tuesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez went 0-for-3 in his first game on rehab assignment. Rodriguez caught five innings in the field before
Pirates Catcher Endy Rodriguez Scheduled to Rehab with the Curve
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that C Endy Rodriguez will begin a rehab assignment with the Curve beginning on Tuesday, September 10. Rodriguez is currently on the 60-Day IL for the Pirates recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Rodriguez is in the Curve lineup for Tuesday night’s game against