The Pittsburgh Pirates are less than a month away from reporting to Bradenton to get ready for the upcoming 2026 season.
The team looks a little different than it did a year ago, but some changes are still
to be made. ESPN contributor Jesse Rogers wrote about what the Pirates have done this off-season and what still needs to be accomplished.
“Pittsburgh set out to improve its offense, and the Pirates have done that via trades and the free agent signing of O’Hearn. It doesn’t mean they’ll be a juggernaut at the plate, but they’ll be better than last season. That’s a start. Lowe and O’Hearn also bring experience playing for playoff-caliber teams, a much-needed benefit for the Pirates,” Rogers wrote.
The Pirates had one of the league’s worst offenses this past season, so their moves so far haven’t been a surprise. However, there is still room for improvement on that front.
“The Pirates aren’t done looking for offense, which could come in the form of an outfield bat or an addition to the left side of the infield. Or both. And after trading from their pitching depth, moving Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows in separate deals, they would like to refill that part of their roster, too,” Rogers wrote.
“It’s already been a more active offseason for the Pirates than they’ve had in recent memory as they try to build around ace Paul Skenes. Smaller moves might be in order between now and spring training, but Pittsburgh shouldn’t be done adding.”
The Pirates could make another free agency splash by signing someone like Cody Bellinger, or they could ride out their group to see what they have. The offense should be better in 2026, but it remains to be seen how much improvement will be made and if it will be enough to knock on the door in the wild card race in the National League.
BD community, what are your thoughts on this offseason’s moves? Chime off in the comments section below.
