A Foundation for Growth
The 2026 season represented a significant step forward for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who concluded the year with an 82-80 record. While the campaign saw flashes of brilliance from the team's young core, the front office is now tasked with refining the roster to bridge the gap between respectable play and genuine postseason contention.
Core pieces like Paul Skenes, who maintained a 3.4 bWAR across 32 starts, alongside the breakout performances of young starters Jared Jones and Ashcraft, provide a sustainable foundation. However, the upcoming months will be defined by how General Manager Ben Cherington addresses specific strategic deficiencies.
Key Offseason Objectives
To take the next step, Pittsburgh must prioritize several areas of concern. Performance against southpaw pitching was a glaring issue in 2026, forcing management to look outside the organization for solutions.
- Addressing struggle against left-handed pitching through trades or free agency.
- Securing a right-handed power bat to anchor the middle of the lineup.
- Fortifying the bullpen with additional high-leverage arms to support closer Mason Montgomery.
- Evaluating the future of Brandon Lowe, who enters free agency after leading the team in home runs and RBIs.
We need players to do ordinary things extraordinarily well. And I think if we adopt that and just really lock in on that and execute that, then we're going to be where we need to be next year and the year after that.
— Pittsburgh Pirates Coaching Staff
The Road Ahead
The retention of star closer Mason Montgomery and the veteran presence of players like Ryan O'Hearn will be crucial as the team integrates its younger talent. With most of the roster currently under contract, the focus shifts to surgically upgrading the lineup. If the Pirates can capitalize on the trade market or find cost-effective veteran rentals, 2027 could be the year they finally secure a deeper October run.