This story was excerpted from Alex Stumpf’s Pirates Beat publication. To learn the complete publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it usually in your inbox.
The expectation for the 2025 Pirates is straightforward.
“We’re trying in 2026 to make the playoffs,” workforce president Travis Williams stated. “Interval. Full cease.”
Getting there may be murkier. The Pirates have already got answered the most important query of the offseason, extending supervisor Don Kelly and retaining basic supervisor Ben Cherington. However there are nonetheless 5 different questions that want readability earlier than the primary exercises at Pirate Metropolis in mid-February.
1. Can the Pirates enhance the offense?The Pirates ranked final in baseball in runs, residence runs and OPS in 2025. That should enhance.
The expectation is for hitting coach Matt Hague to return, so the main focus goes to be on inside enchancment and a few exterior additions. Getting Oneil Cruz again on monitor and having Bryan Reynolds play like he did within the second half will assist, however that’s not going to be sufficient. There are holes within the outfield and the left aspect of the infield (even for those who pencil in Jared Triolo at a kind of latter spots).
2. What’s Mitch Keller’s destiny?Keller was one of many greatest commerce chips out there this previous Deadline, however the Pirates opted to maintain their veteran right-hander. He has three years remaining on his contract, so that they don’t must commerce him. However he’s attributable to make $16.5 million in 2026. If the Pirates can flip him for a Main League bat and unlock cash so as to add via free company, they’ve to contemplate making that deal.
There’s loads of younger pitching on the employees, however Keller provides a gradual hand and has made 95 begins over the previous three years. Having somebody you possibly can depend on for not less than 5 innings each 5 days is extremely worthwhile. Whereas many count on Keller to be traded, the Pirates shouldn’t really feel pressured to make a deal in the event that they don’t prefer it.
3. Does Andrew McCutchen return?McCutchen is without doubt one of the most beloved Pirates of all time, and he needs to maintain enjoying in 2026. The query is whether or not it will likely be in Pittsburgh. That is the primary time when a free-agent departure is a definite risk.
“Clearly, numerous that stuff is out of my management,” McCutchen stated after the ultimate residence recreation of the season “So I simply must do my half. I do need to proceed enjoying, so wherever that could be. I’m trying ahead to seeing the place the offseason takes me. We’ll transfer on from there. … I’m not essentially simply right here to be right here.”
McCutchen completed with a career-worst .700 OPS and 95 OPS+, although his anticipated stats advised he might need been unfortunate. Does a reunion make sense, or might the 2 sides half once more?
4. Who’s the brand new pitching coach?Pitching was the Pirates’ energy in 2025, however they didn’t renew pitching coach Oscar Marin’s contract after getting enter from the pitching employees and weighing their want to achieve one other degree. There’s loads of expertise on the pitching aspect and younger gamers who might be on the ascent, so maximizing that group goes to be crucial.
It will likely be attention-grabbing to see what route the Pirates take. Do they need to go along with somebody inside who has a historical past with these pitchers — pitching coordinator Josh Hopper and director of pitching growth Jeremy Bleich would theoretically be two high quality choices — or do they need a brand new voice from the surface?
5. What route do they go at catcher?Henry Davis obtained glowing critiques from his pitchers however continued to battle on the plate. Joey Bart’s OPS dropped over 100 factors (.799 in 2024 to .696). Endy Rodríguez simply can’t keep on the sector. Rafael Flores made first impression in his September cup of espresso, however he’s nonetheless an unproven rookie.
The Pirates can carry 4 catchers on the 40-man roster, particularly since Flores and Rodríguez may play first base, however is that the proper name? Are they higher suited flipping one in a commerce and placing extra eggs in fewer baskets, or hedge the wager, use an additional roster spot and hope somebody can take the job?
