Steelers Scout Rising QB, Rangers Find New Power Hitter

The Pittsburgh team is turning its eyes toward a promising young quarterback from the lower‑tier college ranks, hoping he could fill a key spot while the big league star remains uncertain. The player in question is 23‑year‑old Cole Payton, who played five seasons at North Dakota State and has shown both passing and rushing talent. In a recent workout, he threw for 2, 719 yards with 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions in his final year. His rushing numbers were equally impressive, adding 777 yards on the ground with 13 scores. Payton’s college career was highlighted by two national titles, and he has just finished a pro‑day showcase for the Steelers. While Pittsburgh looks ahead to the draft, it also considers whether a new quarterback could help keep the team competitive. The Steelers have been hoping to sign veteran Aaron Rodgers, but until that deal is finalized the team must plan for other possibilities. Payton’s performance at the pro‑day, combined with his versatility on offense, makes him an attractive option for a franchise that values balanced playmakers.Across the country, the Pittsburgh Pirates are having a solid spring training season. Their record of 16‑10 is their best since 2017, when they won 19 games. Even though spring results rarely predict regular‑season success, the Pirates have used the time to evaluate new talent. Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia is hitting . 441, with two home runs and five RBIs in 16 games. Ryan O’Hearn has a . 323 average, leading the team in runs batted in with nine. On the mound, Mason Montgomery has a 3. 00 earned run average over six appearances. Meanwhile, former star Andrew McCutchen has found a new home after being released by the Pirates. The 39‑year‑old signed a minor‑league contract with the Texas Rangers and was invited to their spring training. He has already shown himself as a powerful hitter, batting . 533 with eight hits, a home run, three doubles and seven RBIs in six games. In a recent matchup against the Kansas City Royals, he hit his first spring home run—a three‑run blast that gave the Rangers’ manager something to consider for Opening Day. McCutchen is nearing a career milestone of 2, 300 hits; he currently has 2, 266 after 17 seasons. These developments show how teams look beyond headlines to find talent that can make an impact. Pittsburgh’s pursuit of a versatile quarterback and Texas’ surprise acquisition of a veteran slugger illustrate the dynamic nature of roster building in both baseball and football.