Friday Insider: Comadena’s big chance and the USA roster drama you’ll want to watch
The Pirates’ catching coach, Jordan Comadena, is gearing up for what he calls a once-in-a-lifetime moment: he’ll work as the bullpen catcher for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.
Comadena, who’s entering his 11th season with Pittsburgh, shared that this opportunity has been in the works since last summer. It all started when Paul Skenes, then the All-Star Game’s starting pitcher for a second straight year, wanted Comadena on the trip to Atlanta. Logistical hurdles made that impossible, so a compromise was reached: Skenes could bring a bullpen catcher, and that role went to Comadena for the WBC.
After months of paperwork and email exchanges with Team USA representatives, Comadena received the green light about a month ago to join Mark DeRosa’s staff.
“I’m incredibly honored,” Comadena told me on Wednesday. “It hasn’t fully sunk in yet. Wearing the USA uniform and representing baseball at the absolute highest level for the United States is going to be surreal. With that group of players, it’s going to be amazing.”
Comadena and Skenes will also be accompanied by Kevin Roach, the Pirates’ head of major-league video, as representatives of the organization on Team USA.
“It’s going to be awesome,” Skenes said. “That’s what USA is about. People who want to wear the jersey should have the chance to wear it, and they understand the weight of it. Jordy gets that, and Kevin has done it before. We’re really fired up to have them.”
Comadena, a Purdue alum who spent three seasons in the minors, will be joined on the USA coaching staff by two notable former catchers: Brian McCann (assistant coach) and David Ross (bullpen coach).
Comadena is eager to soak up insights from star players like Will Smith, a three-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, and Cal Raleigh, a Gold Glove-winning catcher with the Mariners. He’ll be a resource for the catching group back with the Pirates, including Henry Davis, Joey Bart, Rafael Flores, and Endy Rodríguez, while also gathering ideas to share with his own staff.
“The roster of players is as impressive as it gets for the United States,” Comadena said. “The coaching staff brings a wealth of knowledge—so many former high-level players. I’m excited to meet new people, pick their brains, and observe how they train and operate at the highest level. It should be a really cool experience.”
For the Pirates, the knowledge transfer isn’t one-way. The insights Comadena gains should eventually benefit Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.
“They’ll be around the best in the game,” Skenes noted. “It’s a fantastic opportunity.”
MORE PIRATES
Bubba Chandler kept a steady offseason mindset despite logging 31 1/3 major-league innings late last year. He’s focused on getting stronger and positioning himself to throw 200 innings in 2026. That would be a stretch given the Pirates’ pitch-usage patterns for young arms, but having three healthy solid starters—Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Chandler—could push the rotation toward or beyond that mark. — José Negron in Bradenton, Fla.
Chandler speaks with quiet confidence, recognizing the game’s humbling nature. He’s approaching spring training and the 2026 season with the same steady mindset as always: stay prepared and take it day by day. “The game humbles you quickly,” he said. “I learned that last year. I’m keeping it simple—focus on today, not tomorrow.”
Konnor Griffin credits Don Kelly, Pirates infield coach Chris Truby, and Class AA Altoona bench coach Gary Green (a former big-league infielder) for helping him move from outfield to shortstop last season. The effort paid off: Griffin earned a Minor League Gold Glove in his first year as a pro.
“Truby worked with me on the fundamentals and the small details people overlook,” Griffin recalled. “Spring training last year, we shifted me to the dirt, and the plan clicked. At Double-A, Greeny helped me adjust my approach and learn what to expect at different spots. Don Kelly leads with energy and keeps us competing and growing every day.”
Griffin has held steady at 225 pounds to stay quick and athletic.
Termarr Johnson has been taking reps at third base at Pirate City, a move that’s not unusual for the organization’s No. 7 prospect (per MLB Pipeline). Last season he shifted from shortstop to second, but he’s continued working at third during spring to broaden his versatility.
Johnson explained that adding third-base work helps with footwork and overall readiness. He’s still focused on second base as his primary position, but he wants to stay adaptable and learn every position as needed.
PENGUINS
Sidney Crosby is famously meticulous, and when news emerged that Olympic ice in Milan would be shorter and wider than standard NHL ice, many expected him to notice. It turns out he didn’t initially pick up on the difference. He recalled that the rink in Sweden for the Global Series had the same dimensions as the Olympic sheet, and he wondered if the change would have been noticeable depending on where the extra three feet were taken from. He guessed he’d have noticed if the cut came from the neutral zone—until I reminded him that Sweden’s ice had exactly that setup. If Crosby missed it, it’s unlikely most Olympic players will notice any nuances. — Taylor Haase
Has the Penguins’ strong season changed views on the trade deadline? It’s shifted the approach. The goal remains to add young, NHL-ready players in the 23–26 age range, with a preference for direct additions over draft-only moves. A pure rental is less likely than at season’s start, but not out of the question if it helps bring in more future assets. — Taylor Haase
Avery Hayes’ emergence, especially his chemistry with Rutger McGroarty, plus the impending return of Filip Hallander, adds complexity to decisions. The team isn’t in a rush to force out veterans post-deadline, thanks to roster flexibility and cap space, plus the 23-man limit dissipates after the deadline. Depth matters for a playoff push, so a scenario where Hayes nudges someone like Noel Acciari from the lineup isn’t off the table. — Taylor Haase
Evgeni Malkin has taken a break, so contract talks aren’t front-and-center. Non-Olympic players should return by February 17. — Taylor Haase
Some fans were surprised by Arturs Silovs’ performance in a practice shootout against Switzerland, but the team’s practice shoots have historically been unpredictable. A memorable moment: after a tough shootout loss in Sweden, Silovs faced playful complaints from teammates in the locker room when he didn’t concede in practice—he kept smiling, and soon delivered a stronger performance in a real shootout later that season. — Taylor Haase
Eddie Johnston is making progress after an injury, with a hopeful boost from a recent Olympic break. Crosby checked in with him by phone to lift his spirits before leaving for Milan, and the call apparently helped. — Taylor Haase
STEELERS
- There’s more detail on Patrick Queen’s role as a liaison between players and coaches, particularly after the Bengals exposed Mike Tomlin’s “coverage people” plan. Some defensive players were frustrated with the scheme before that Thursday night game in Cincinnati, and the issues trace back to the home opener against Seattle. A player described watching Seattle’s defense and feeling envious at how clean it looked, which sparked calls for changes.
After Cincinnati, vocal calls for adjustments grew louder. Queen stepped into a leadership role to guide the defense toward clearer, simpler schemes that could still be effective, echoing the Seahawks’ approach.
When Tomlin stepped down, the respect from players was clear. Despite disagreements, they felt he treated them as partners and valued their input, which contributed to a strong end-of-season bond. — Chris Halicke in Downtown
Mike Tomlin’s staff is now fully assembled, with the team announcing all hires on Thursday. The timing is strategic ahead of the Combine, which kicks off Feb. 23 in Indianapolis. Having a complete staff in place ensures productive in-season and pre-draft meetings and keeps the organization prepared for the marquee offseason event. — Chris Halicke
Pittsburgh’s front office is mapping roster priorities. Joey Porter Jr. is the top extension target, though Nick Herbig has shown he could slot as a starter somewhere. The priority, however, is to lock in Porter Jr. for the long term. — Chris Halicke
The Steelers remain seriously interested in a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers isn’t back for a 22nd NFL season, Malik Willis is among the quarterbacks the team could pursue, though exact interest remains to be confirmed as the Combine approaches. — Chris Halicke
Early signals suggest the Steelers could be more active on trades this offseason, possibly to boost draft capital for 2027. Free-agent signings will still play a role, but shoring up future assets through deals could be a strategic path. — Chris Halicke
