The Pirates nudged forward in 2026 yet fell short of the postseason for the 11th straight year. Now arbitration will bring sizable raises, and a top bat may walk in free agency this winter.
2027 payroll: $57.5 MM
Total commitments through 2032: $256.5 MM
Arbitration‑eligible players (service time in parentheses; salaries projected by MLBTR’s Matt Swartz)
Despite missing the cut, 2026 delivered clear progress. A solid rotation grew stronger thanks to promising youngsters. Top prospect Konnor Griffin debuted at 19, holding his own before an injury stint. Catcher turnover persists, yet the trend may be easing. An 82‑80 finish isn’t dazzling, but it’s an 11‑game jump from 2025 and marks the franchise’s first winning record since 2018.
Those trends should earn GM Ben Cherington another shot at ending the club’s postseason drought since 2015. His contract runs through 2027, and while owner Bob Nutting hasn’t locked in his stay, Cherington said late‑season talks centered on boosting the team for 2027 and beyond. Manager Don Kelly, in his inaugural full season, is also slated to return.
Kelly’s 2027 roster will stay largely intact. Griffin returns to shortstop. Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn cover first base and DH, with O’Hearn likely seeing occasional corner outfield work. The outfield features Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and breakout slugger Esmerlyn Valdez, while former top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia lingers on the fringe. Catcher Endy Rodriguez seemed ready to emerge before hip surgery halted him. Nick Gonzales posted a career‑best year at third and can shift to second, depending on free‑agent Brandon Lowe’s fate.
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