The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for a season that could finally bring playoff baseball back to the Steel City. It's been over a decade since Jake Arrieta's memorable shutout in the NL Wild Card Game sent the Pirates into a prolonged postseason drought, but 2026 is shaping up to be a potential turning point.
Sure, if you ask a Chicago Cubs fan about the Pirates, their knowledge might not extend far beyond Paul Skenes. However, with an active offseason and a top-tier farm system, the Pirates are ready to make waves in the NL Central.
Reports from insiders like FanSided's Robert Murray highlight the buzz surrounding the team this spring. Newcomer Ryan O'Hearn draws parallels between this Pirates squad and the 2023 Orioles, who transformed from underdogs to AL East champions with 101 wins.
Murray notes, "Their pitching staff, led by Paul Skenes, is impressive. Additions like Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, and O’Hearn bolster an offense that includes Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.
New manager Don Kelly is already making a positive impact. Optimism is in the air for the Pirates, and I'm not alone in feeling it."
Pirates Ready to Challenge in 2026
While winning the division might be a stretch, a wild card spot is within reach, especially if Griffin can make an immediate impact alongside Skenes. The front office has taken significant steps to revitalize an offense that struggled last season, providing a much-needed boost to the fanbase. The arrival of a new manager is also shifting the atmosphere in the clubhouse.
The Cubs dominated the Pirates last year, finishing 10-3 against them on their way to a 92-win season and an NLDS appearance. But with the Pirates no longer content to be the division's punching bag, Chicago might find repeating that success a tougher task this season. The Pirates are poised for a fight, and the rest of the league should take notice.