Spring might still feel like a distant dream in Pittsburgh, but for Pirates fans, there’s finally a reason to start thinking warm thoughts. The club has officially released its 2026 Spring Training schedule, and just like that, baseball is back on the radar.
We’re now just a few weeks out from the first signs of life on the diamond. Pitchers and catchers are set to report on February 9, kicking off a crucial early stretch for a team still shaping its identity.
The full squad joins the action on February 16, and then it’s game time: the Pirates open their Spring Training slate on February 21 against the Baltimore Orioles. That’s followed by a split-squad matchup the very next day against the Philadelphia Phillies.
It’s a quick ramp-up, and for a team with a few key roster questions still lingering, every inning of these early games will matter.
Let’s talk roster construction. There’s still work to be done before Opening Day.
Third base remains a question mark, the bullpen could use another reliable arm, and the outfield mix isn’t quite settled. And let’s be honest - this lineup could use another bat, someone who can add a little thump in the middle of the order.
Jeff Passan has hinted that the Pirates might have one more move in them, and if that’s true, it could be a pivotal piece. The front office has a narrow window to make it happen, with just about a month before things start getting real.
Looking ahead, the regular season kicks off on March 26 with a road trip to face the New York Mets. That series rolls right into another three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds before the Bucs finally return home. Circle April 3 on your calendar - that’s when the Pirates host the Orioles for their home opener at PNC Park.
There’s a quiet optimism building around this team - and for good reason. This season feels different.
There’s youth, there’s upside, and there’s a sense that the rebuild is starting to turn the corner. Spring Training is where we’ll start to see it all take shape, and it’s almost here.