The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for a new season, and there's a lot to unpack as we delve into their progress report. From managerial changes to exciting young talent, the Pirates are looking to turn things around and bring some winning energy back to the city.
A New Era for the Bucs
The Pirates finished the 2025 season with a record of 71-91, placing them fifth in the NL Central. With Don Kelly at the helm for his second season as manager, the team is hoping to improve upon that record and finally break their losing streak, which dates back to 2018. Kelly took over as interim manager after a rough start to the previous season, and his impact was noticeable as the team's performance improved. It's interesting to see how his leadership will shape the team's future, especially with no official details on his contract yet.
Dollars and Sense
When it comes to the financial side, the Pirates have some interesting moves to navigate. The team's largest luxury tax hit is on RHP Mitch Keller, who is set to earn $15.4 million. Despite this, Keller had a solid season with a 4.19 ERA and 15 losses. The Pirates also have some promising young talent returning, with players like 1B Spencer Horwitz, OF Oneil Cruz, and 3B Jared Triolo leading the way. On the pitching front, RHP Paul Skenes is a standout, finishing third in NL Cy Young voting and winning Rookie of the Year in 2024. Skenes' performance last year, with a 1.97 ERA, is something to build upon and could be a key factor in the Pirates' success.
Roster Moves and Prospects
The Pirates have made some notable roster additions, including DH Marcell Ozuna and OF Ryan O'Hearn, who bring experience and power to the lineup. The team also acquired 2B Brandon Lowe and a trio of outfielders: Jake Mangum, Jhostynxon Garcia, and top prospect Konnor Griffin. Griffin, a 19-year-old shortstop, is an exciting addition, having hit 21 homers with 65 steals and a .941 OPS in Double-A last season. His potential to develop into a major league star is a huge boost for the Pirates.
On the pitching side, the Pirates have signed RHP Jose Urquidy and LHP Gregory Soto, while also acquiring LHP Mason Montgomery and RHP Mike Clevinger. These moves strengthen the team's pitching depth and provide some much-needed support for the young homegrown talent.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates have a lot of potential, especially with their young players and promising pitching staff. The Fangraphs projection of 82.9 wins is a positive sign, and with the right strategy and development, the team could surprise many. It will be interesting to see how the new additions gel with the existing roster and how the young talent progresses. The Pirates have a chance to build something special, and I, for one, am excited to see how this season unfolds for them.
