The Pittsburgh Pirates are turning heads this season, and the big question is: where do they truly stand in the MLB landscape? They won't be languishing at the bottom in 2026, but identifying their real competition is key.
In MLB.com's tier rankings, crafted by Mike Petriello, teams are evaluated not just on current performance but on potential trajectories. The Pirates find themselves in the sixth tier, aptly labeled "what if you had a top-five hitter and pitcher zone." This isn't a negative placement; rather, it highlights their potential.
Sharing this tier with the Kansas City Royals, the Pirates boast a legitimate superstar in Paul Skenes, arguably the best pitcher in the game, ready to break records. Last season, Skenes pitched with minimal offensive support, but this year looks different.
The addition of Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna is set to boost the lineup significantly. While the roster still has its quirks, Petriello notes that having a couple of superstars can mask many issues.
However, Pittsburgh's pursuit of offense has led to some defensive compromises. The bullpen remains a bit shaky, and there's uncertainty in the rotation behind Skenes with some inexperienced arms.
These challenges might not all be as daunting as they seem. A flawless roster isn't essential for a deep playoff run, as demonstrated by last year's Dodgers, who thrived despite bullpen woes thanks to their star power.
The new additions will elevate the offense, but none are superstar-caliber. They will raise the team's baseline, but how much remains to be seen. Adding a player of Bobby Witt Jr.'s caliber could tip the scales, bringing enough talent to overshadow any weaknesses.
Enter Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, drawing comparisons to Witt Jr. Even if he doesn't start on Opening Day, his stint in the minors might be brief.
Expecting Griffin to immediately match Witt Jr.'s impact might be a stretch due to his youth, but if he rises to the occasion, the Pirates could find themselves with a second superstar, dramatically altering their season outlook.