October 17 has been a significant date in Pirates lore, and the club’s two most recent World Series championships were sealed on this day. In 1971 and again in 1979, Pittsburgh finished off the Orioles in Game 7, with both titles coming via victories that still stand out in franchise memory.
The 1971 clincher was a 2-1 win powered by Steve Blass’ complete game, Roberto Clemente’s solo homer in the fourth inning, and Jose Pagan’s RBI double in the eighth that brought home the deciding run. Eight years later, the Pirates did it again, this time by a 4-1 count.
Willie Stargell delivered the key blow in that one, putting Pittsburgh ahead for good with a two-run homer in the sixth. Stargell finished Game 7 with four hits and posted a 1.208 OPS over 30 plate appearances in the Fall Classic, which earned “Pops” the Series MVP award.
In Cleveland, Game 4 of the ALCS is finally on the calendar after yesterday’s rainout pushed it to tonight at 7pm CT. The Rays will go with Nick Martinez, while the Guardians will use opener Shawn Armstrong. That was the originally planned matchup before the postponement, but the bigger issue now may be how the altered schedule affects both clubs down the line.
If the Guardians win and move ahead 3-1, the Rays could be forced into full survival mode for Game 5 and, if Tampa gets that far, beyond. The delay also wipes out the scheduled off-day on Sunday.
Game 5 is now set for 4pm CT that day, and if the series keeps going, Game 6 and Game 7 would follow on Monday and Tuesday night in St. Petersburg.
Brandon Woodruff’s path back has taken another turn, and it has opened the door to an unlikely possibility. What looked in July like a shoulder surgery that would end his season instead gave way to more encouraging follow-up exams, which removed surgery from the equation and sent him into a long throwing program aimed at getting him back on the mound in 2026.
The only real window for Woodruff to help the Brewers this year would come in the World Series, and that is now on the table. He still needs to face live hitters, and Milwaukee has every reason to be careful with a pitcher who hasn’t appeared in a game setting since July 4. Even so, his strong results despite injuries over the last four seasons, along with the human side of the story, could make a relief role in the Series a real consideration.
Seattle’s managerial search has added another familiar name. The Mariners reportedly have interest in Rocco Baldelli, who managed the Twins from 2019-25 and went 505-505 while winning three AL Central titles. Baldelli is now working as a special assistant in the Dodgers’ front office after Minnesota let him go.
At this point, Baldelli, Joe Espada, and Torey Lovullo are the only known names on Seattle’s radar, with Lovullo no longer in the mix after signing a new deal with the Diamondbacks. That list also fits with Jerry Dipoto’s preference for a manager who already has MLB experience.
In Other News...
Pirates Prospect Wyatt Sanford Has A Path To Playing Time Problem
Wyatt Sanfords breakout power has been one of the more encouraging developments in the Pirates system this year. The organizations No. 5 prospect has taken a noticeable step forward at the plate during the 2026 season and carried that momentum into the Arizona Fall League, enough to make him look like a bat worth tracking as he climbs the ladder.
The problem for Sanford is that the easiest route to Pittsburgh may not exist. Konnor Griffin has the shortstop job in place for the long haul, which narrows Sanfords most natural path, and the alternative at second base is not exactly wide open either. He has gotten some time there, but the Pirates infield picture could leave him waiting longer than his recent surge suggests. [Read more 🡒]
Pirates Bring Back Local Outfielder With One Big Question Left
The Pirates have added a familiar name to their outfield mix, re-signing Kyler Fedko to a two-year minor league contract as they continue to build out organizational depth. A Gibsonia native, Fedko has the kind of local connection that always makes a move like this a little more notable, and Pittsburgh is bringing him in with an eye toward what he can offer down the road rather than right away.
Fedko reached the majors with the Minnesota Twins in June before his season was cut short after knee surgery, leaving his path back to game action the main thing still to monitor. For the Pirates, the move is a low-risk way to keep an athletic outfielder in the system, but the real question is how quickly he can get back to being an option once he is fully recovered. [Read more 🡒]
Pirates Face A Tough Call On One Of Their Best Young Bats
Axiel Plazs strong season at High-A Greensboro has put the Pirates in a familiar but tricky spot this fall. The young catcher has done enough to put himself on the radar, and now Pittsburgh has to decide whether to protect him as it sorts through its offseason roster decisions.
The complication is the timing. The Pirates have a crowded catching picture already, with Rafael Flores Jr., Henry Davis and Endy Rodrguez all in the mix for major-league playing time, so every move carries a ripple effect beyond one prospects future. Protecting Plaz would signal real belief in his development, but it also adds another layer to a roster crunch the club will have to manage carefully. [Read more 🡒]