The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for an intriguing season, with a mix of seasoned players, promising prospects, and a few key changes in their roster and management. As they aim to improve on their 2025 finish, let's delve into what fans can expect from this historic franchise.
A Season of Rebuilding
The Pirates finished the 2025 season with a 71-91 record, placing them 5th in the NL Central. This season, they're looking to climb the ranks and secure their first winning record since 2018. The team's management, led by General Manager Ben Cherington, has made some strategic moves to bolster their chances.
Pitching Prowess
Pittsburgh's pitching staff is a force to be reckoned with, boasting some impressive names. The highest-paid player, Mitch Keller, had a solid season in 2025, but the spotlight is on the young RHP Paul Skenes. Skenes had an outstanding 2024, winning the Rookie of the Year award and finishing third in NL Cy Young voting. His success continued in 2025, leading the majors with an impressive 1.97 ERA. With Skenes at the helm, along with the reliable Keller and the debuting Bubba Chandler, the Pirates have a homegrown pitching trio that can compete with the best.
Building the Lineup
While the pitching staff is strong, the Pirates are also focusing on developing their batting lineup. The team has made some significant additions, including Marcell Ozuna and Brandon Lowe, who bring experience and power to the plate. However, the real excitement lies with top prospect Konnor Griffin. This young shortstop, drafted out of high school, has shown incredible potential, combining power and speed in his rise through the minors. If Griffin makes the leap to the majors this season, he could be the bat the Pirates need to complement their strong pitching.
Management Moves
Manager Don Kelly, who took over from Derek Shelton mid-season in 2025, has been given the reins permanently. This decision was made after the team showed improvement under Kelly's leadership. However, the details of his contract remain undisclosed, leaving fans curious about the organization's long-term plans.
Prospects and Predictions
The Pirates have a lot to be optimistic about. Fangraphs projects the team to win around 83 games this season, a significant improvement. With a strong pitching rotation and potential breakout stars like Griffin, the Pirates could surprise many. Personally, I believe the team's success will hinge on how well the new additions gel with the existing core and whether the young prospects can live up to their potential.
In summary, the Pittsburgh Pirates are a team on the rise, with a blend of veteran leadership and exciting young talent. As they strive for a winning season, fans can look forward to witnessing the growth of a potential powerhouse in the making.
