Pittsburgh Pirates: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Konnor Griffin News / Last Word On Sports / March 30

Pirates feeling the effects with no Konnor Griffin at shortstop

When the Pittsburgh Pirates opted not to take Konnor Griffin North at the end of Spring Training, they sent down one of the best prospects they’ve ever had.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 30

What Pirates' Ben Cherington Needs to See From Konnor Griffin at Triple-A

PITTSBURGH — Konnor Griffin isn't currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates to start the 2026 season, but that doesn't mean general manager Ben Cherington isn't closely monitoring his progress early on.

Paul Skenes News / Yardbarker / March 30

Five things to watch in MLB this week

The MLB season has started and now enters its first full week. Here are five things to watch this week.

Twins manager Derek Shelton is first ABS ejection of MLB season

The 'Charter members of the American League' quiz

Pete Crow-Armstrong News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Youngest MLB 30/30 seasons' quiz

How many of the MLB players to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season before turning 25 years old can you name in five minutes?

The 'MLB 30/30 Club members' quiz

The 'MLB active hit leaders' quiz

The 'Last 100-RBI season by MLB team' quiz

Athletics News / Yardbarker

One storyline to follow for every MLB team in 2026

As Spring Training opens for 2026, all 30 teams have high hopes and big questions. These are the storylines to follow for each team heading into Opening Day.

Red Sox to sign former Yankees relief pitcher ahead of Opening Day

MLB announces 80-game suspension for Johan Rojas

Mets star gets help from former teammate after clubhouse issues

Three comeback arms to watch in National League East

Five X factors in the AL Central

MLB News / Field Level Media / March 29

Ryan O’Hearn helps Pirates knock off Mets in 10

Ryan O'Hearn smacked his second run-scoring single of the game Sunday to snap a 10th-inning tie and the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a season-opening sweep at the hands of the New York Mets with a 4-3 win.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates Win First Game of Season, Avoiding Mets Sweep

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates needed something to go their way this season and they finally got it in, thanks to some strong pitching and defensive plays.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Larry Brown Sports / March 29

Oneil Cruz gets questioned for his defensive effort

Oneil Cruz was back in center field for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, but his play there still raised a few concerns. Cruz caught a fly ball with a runner on first and one out in the second inning of Sunday’s game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York, N.Y.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Last Word On Sports / March 29

Five Pirates That Must Establish Themselves by Memorial Day

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ roster has plenty of players who could lose playing time in the very near future. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and by then, the Pirates’ roster may look a lot different.

Brandon Lowe News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates' Brandon Lowe Continues Home Run Streak

PITTSBURGH — Brandon Lowe joined the Pirates this offseason with the promise of added power and he has shown exactly that early on. Lowe hit a solo home run for the Pirates in the top of the third inning, putting them up 2-1 over the New York Mets at Citi Field in the series finale on March 29.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players that could be traded during the 2026 season

The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, and it is never too early to start thinking about how it might unfold. Seemingly, every year, we have a decent handle on who should contend and who is likely to struggle, which makes looking ahead to the trade deadline inevitable.

Konnor Griffin News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates' Decision on Konnor Griffin Comes Down to This Infielder

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping to earn their first victory of the season as they close out their first series against the New York Mets.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Most Elite Eight appearances' quiz

The 'Nine three-pointer NBA games' quiz

The 'Youngest MLB 30/30 seasons' quiz

The 'Active MLB 3+ 30-homer seasons' quiz

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates Introduce Lineup With Oneil Cruz and Jake Mangum

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates head into their final game of the first series of the season with a third different outfield group. The Pirates will have Oneil Cruz back in center field and leading off, while Jake Mangum moves over to left field and will bat ninth in their series finale vs.

Hunter Barco News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates' Hunter Barco Has Wild First Outing of 2026

PITTSBURGH — Hunter Barco normally isn't your high-leverage reliever, but the Pittsburgh Pirates called on him to do exactly that in their last game. Barco came on in the 10th inning for the Pirates in their eventual 4-2 loss to the New York Mets at Citi Field on March 28, marking his season debut.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates Major Pipeline: Prospect Updates and Movements Toward the Majors

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates began their season this weekend, but they weren't the only team within the franchise that did. The Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates Triple-A affiliate, also began their season, as they host the St.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 29

Pirates Have Easy Choice in Center Field Moving Forward

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are 0-2 after dropping another game to the New York Mets. A deflated feeling is already creeping in as the team looks to salvage a win in the final game of their series before traveling to Cincinnati.

MLB News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 28

Pirates Fall to Mets on Extra Innings Walk-Off Home Run

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates battled the New York Mets throughout their second game of the season, but one big swing undid all the great pitching they had.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / March 28

Pirates' Don Kelly Explains Oneil Cruz Lineup Decision

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates head into an important game at the start of their season without one of their main outfielders in the lineup. Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz isn't starting as they face the New York Mets at Citi Field on March 28, with newly acquired Jake Mangum making his team debut in the position and batting ninth.