Pittsburgh Pirates: Strategies for a Successful Offseason
The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering a pivotal offseason as they aim to address significant challenges and rebuild their roster for future success. After a disappointing 2025 season, the team made key managerial changes, including the firing of manager Derek Shelton. His bench coach, Don Kelly, will lead the Pirates into the 2026 season.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Offseason Strategies for 2026
General manager Ben Cherington remains at the helm amid speculation about his future. He has committed to improving the team as they gear up for another season.
Current Financial Commitments
- Total commitments for 2026: $30.5 million
- Total long-term commitments through 2030: $130.5 million
Performance Analysis
The Pirates’ performance in 2025 was disappointing, with glaring issues in offensive production. They ranked last in Major League Baseball, scoring only 583 runs, which is nearly 300 runs fewer than the league-leading Yankees, who scored 849 runs.
Pittsburgh’s offense was also weak in home runs, with only 117 hitters connecting for long balls, placing them 30th in the league. Hitting statistics are as follows:
| Statistic | Rank |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | 28th |
| On-Base Percentage (OBP) | 23rd |
| Slugging Percentage | 30th |
Focus on Young Talent
Despite the offensive shortcomings, the Pirates have garnered praise for their promising young pitching staff, led by Paul Skenes, who is a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award. Cherington is now focusing on enhancing the offensive capabilities of the team.
The front office is likely to explore trades, aiming to acquire young, MLB-ready hitters to strengthen their lineup. This strategic approach is essential for the Pirates, who are eager to overcome their recent struggles and leverage their solid pitching to foster a more competitive team.
Looking Ahead
The pressure is mounting for Cherington and the Pirates to make impactful moves this offseason. With ownership emphasizing urgency, addressing the team’s offensive deficiencies is now a top priority. Efforts will be directed towards improving the roster, making the 2026 season a critical moment in the franchise’s rebuilding journey.
