The Pittsburgh Pirates are receiving significant recognition for their strategic moves this offseason, a shift from their quiet rebuilding years. The praise is not accidental but a direct result of the front office finally tackling the team's most glaring weakness: a lackluster offense. This intentional shift has changed the perception of the Pirates from a patient rebuild project to a team with genuine competitive aspirations for the 2026 Major League Baseball season.
From Pitching Strength to Offensive Overhaul
The foundation for this optimism was laid by a strong pitching core, which paradoxically shone during a difficult 2025 campaign. The Pirates finished the 2025 season with a 71-91 record, placing fifth in the National League Central and extending their playoff absence to a decade. Despite this, the pitching staff achieved the third-best team ERA in the National League. The rotation is anchored by ace Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.
However, the offense was a major letdown, ranking last in home runs and OPS. This imbalance prompted widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike, who urged General Manager Ben Cherington to act. Cherington, who previously led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series victory, has now executed his most aggressive offseason since that triumph.
Key Acquisitions to Bolster the Batting Order
The Pirates made several calculated moves to inject power and depth into their lineup. Their key transactions include:
- Brandon Lowe (2B): Acquired on December 19, 2025, from the Tampa Bay Rays via a three-team trade involving the Houston Astros. The two-time All-Star brings significant pop, having hit 31 home runs with 83 RBIs and a .477 slugging percentage in 2025.
- Ryan O'Hearn (1B/OF): Signed to a two-year, $29 million deal on December 23, 2025. Coming off a career-best year, O'Hearn posted a .281/.366/.437 slash line with 17 homers and 21 doubles, adding valuable versatility.
- Jhostynxon Garcia (OF): Obtained from the Boston Red Sox on December 4, 2025, in exchange for pitcher Johan Oviedo. Garcia, ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 85 prospect, showcased a .340 OBP with 21 homers and 75 RBIs in the minors last season.
These additions provide the "genuine support players" the lineup desperately needed, creating a more cohesive and threatening roster around the established pitching strength.
Recognition and Outlook for the 2026 Season
The industry has taken note of this strategic pivot. In an article for The Athletic on January 5, 2026, former MLB general manager and senior writer Jim Bowden named the Pittsburgh Pirates as the second most-improved team this offseason, trailing only the Baltimore Orioles. Bowden explicitly credited the front office for finally addressing the offensive shortcomings that had held the team back for three seasons.
Further underscoring their intent, the Pirates were reportedly interested in NL MVP runner-up Kyle Schwarber before he re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. This proactive approach in the market signals a clear change in philosophy.
The outlook for the 2026 season is now markedly different. With a bolstered offense supporting a elite pitching staff led by Paul Skenes, the Pirates are no longer seen as mere participants in the NL Central. They have positioned themselves as a potential dark horse to challenge for a playoff spot and, most importantly, to end a postseason drought that has lasted since 2015. The intentional work of this offseason has successfully shifted the narrative surrounding the franchise.
