Pittsburgh Pirates' Offseason Outlook: Progress Amid Challenges

The Pittsburgh Pirates made progress in the 2026 season, finishing with an 82-80 record, yet they still fell short of the playoffs for the 11th year in a row. The team is now facing significant salary increases due to arbitration and the possibility of losing key players to free agency.

Despite the playoff miss, the Pirates experienced positive developments, particularly with their pitching rotation, bolstered by young talent. Konnor Griffin, the top prospect, made his debut at 19 but faced injury setbacks. The team’s performance marked an 11-game improvement over the previous year and their first winning season since 2018.

General manager Ben Cherington is expected to continue his efforts to build a competitive team, with discussions focused on enhancing the roster for 2027. Manager Don Kelly, in his first full season, is also anticipated to return. Key players like Griffin, Spencer Horwitz, and Ryan O'Hearn are set to remain, while the future of Brandon Lowe, the team's notable free agent, remains uncertain.