There's a fresh vibe in the air at the Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training in 2026, and it's not just the Florida sunshine. Optimism is buzzing among fans and the team, a feeling not often associated with Pirates baseball in recent years.
The Pirates have made strategic moves to bolster their roster, and it's paying off. With key additions like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, Marcell Ozuna, and Gregory Soto, who collectively boast eight All-Star appearances, the team is looking formidable. Lowe and O'Hearn, both fresh off AL All-Star nods last season, are particularly exciting.
This lineup is arguably the strongest the Pirates have brought to Bradenton in the Ben Cherington era. With more seasoned players in the mix, the usual scramble for roster spots is less intense, though some non-roster invitees are making a compelling case to join the action early in 2026.
Let's dive into three under-the-radar players making waves at Pirates spring training.
Noah Murdock
When the Pirates signed Noah Murdock to a minor-league deal, it didn't make headlines, especially given his 13.24 ERA last season. But Murdock is more than meets the eye.
Standing tall at 6-foot-8, he brings a unique approach with his sidearm delivery, unleashing a fastball that averages nearly 95 MPH with significant arm-side movement. His arsenal includes a high-velocity cutter and a sweeping breaking ball, making him an intriguing prospect.
Murdock's style is reminiscent of Pirates reliever Justin Lawrence, who transformed his career in Pittsburgh. Despite an injury-plagued past, Lawrence's performance was stellar, boasting a 0.51 ERA and striking out a third of batters faced.
Murdock, a former seventh-round pick from the University of Virginia, has shown promise this spring with three scoreless outings. While he's not vying for an Opening Day spot, he's a name to watch as the season progresses.
Dominic Fletcher
The Pirates' outfield got a significant boost this winter, with Ryan O'Hearn stepping in for Tommy Pham and Jake Mangum emerging as a top-tier fourth outfielder. Meanwhile, prospect Jhostynxon Garcia is turning heads this spring.
Enter Dominic Fletcher, a former second-round pick who signed with the Pirates in December. Fletcher, the younger brother of MVP vote-recipient David Fletcher, has flashed potential at the plate, posting an OPS over .700 in 2023 and 2025.
This spring, he's off to a hot start, hitting .286/.375/.476 with a double and a home run, both against established MLB pitcher Jose Berrios. His ability to pull the ball in the air suits PNC Park's left-handed hitters well, making him a viable option off the bench if needed.
Mike Clevinger
Among the non-roster invitees, Mike Clevinger stands out. Once a standout pitcher, Clevinger is vying for a spot as either the fifth starter or a bullpen arm. He split his time last season between starting and relieving, showing versatility.
Clevinger's peak years (2017-2020) were impressive, with a 2.96 ERA over 88 games, outperforming big names like Chris Sale and Gerrit Cole. Even in 2023, he was a reliable starter with a 3.77 ERA.
Though his recent outing wasn't perfect, his fastball has gained velocity this spring, reaching up to 97 MPH. With his rejuvenated arsenal, Clevinger could be a crucial innings-eater for the Pirates until Jared Jones returns from injury.
In summary, the Pirates are crafting a roster that's turning heads and sparking hope. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, they're setting the stage for an exciting season. Keep an eye on these under-the-radar players-they might just be the key to the Pirates' success in 2026.