Pittsburgh Pirates: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Brandon Lowe Sets Another Impressive Pirates' Milestone

PITTSBURGH — Brandon Lowe has been the Pirates' best home run hitter in 2026, and he showed again just how impressive his power is. Lowe hit a solo home run in the eighth inning of the Pirates' 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the series opener at PNC Park on Sept.

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Pirates' Reliever Stepping Up When Needed Most

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen has been a revolving door all summer, but one arm has quietly emerged as a stabilizing force this month. Left-hander Brandon Eisert, in his second stint with the Pirates in September, has seized his latest opportunity with a stretch of dominance that has kept them in games during a fading playoff push.

Brandon Lowe News / Athlon Sports / September 16

Brandon Lowe Makes Franchise History During First Year With Pirates

Brandon Lowe made Pittsburgh Pirates history Tuesday night, reaching 30 home runs in his first season with the club. Lowe hit his milestone homer against the Milwaukee Brewers, sending a ball off the right-field foul pole at PNC Park.

Rafael Flores News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / September 16

Pirates' Catcher Forcing Off-Season Conversation

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates may have a catcher problem, and it's the kind where a rookie is making it impossible for the organization to ignore what's happening right in front of them.

Pete Alonso News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Most 35-HR, 100-RBI seasons' quiz

How many of the 36 players to reach the 35-home run and 100-RBI milestones in the same season at least five different times can you name in five minutes?

The 'All-time hits leader for every MLB franchise' quiz

The 'Single-season HR leader by team' quiz

The 'Active RBI leaders' quiz

Nick Gonzales News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / September 16

Pirates Third Base Coach Takes Blame on Baserunning Debacle

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates haven't made it easy on themselves this season, and a recent poor play hurt them in their last game. The Pirates could've scored a few runs in the fourth inning, but a base-running mistake kept them from scoring in the 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the series opener at PNC Park on Sept.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

The most surprising player from every MLB team for the 2026 season

The 2026 season has been headlined by young players emerging, but some wily veterans have also had their day. As we head toward the end of the regular season, these 30 players stand out as the biggest surprises on their teams.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Bucs Dugout / September 16

Pirates Prospect update: Catcher Easton Carmichael

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had issues in recent history of finding consistent play at the catcher position. However, there could be a possible catcher of the future for the Buccos playing in Altoona.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / September 15

Pirates' Lineup Facing Probable Cy Young Winner

Pittsburgh— The Pittsburgh Pirates will send a bullpen-heavy approach to the mound tonight at PNC Park against a Milwaukee Brewers club that can clinch the National League Central with a win and a Chicago Cubs loss in Atlanta.

Oneil Cruz News / EssentiallySports / September 15

Pirates’ 27YO Star’s Alleged Deal Surfaced as Report Reveals a Settlement of $66,000 Paid to Victims’ Families

An automobile accident on a dark, four-lane highway in the Dominican Republic back in September 2020 almost derailed the then-Pittsburgh Pirates’ top prospect Oneil Cruz’s career.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / September 15

Three Top Pirates Prospects Playing in Arizona Fall League

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have some of the best future talent in baseball, and those players will get to show off on a big stage. The Pirates

MLB News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / September 14

Pirates Reveal Starting Pitcher for Brewers Series Opener

The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced their starting pitcher for the opening game of their three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Right-hander Lake Bachar will get the nod for the Pirates in that role on September 15 against Jacob Misiorowski and the NL Central-leading Brewers.

Don Kelly News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / September 14

Former Pirates Manager Could Provide Leadership for Don Kelly

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly is close to finishing his first full season on the job, but may benefit from some guidance next season.

MLB News / Yardbarker

The most disappointing player from every MLB team for the 2026 season

The 2026 season hasn't gone as planned for many MLB players. These 30 players stand out as the biggest disappointments for their respective teams.

Oneil Cruz News / Just Baseball / September 14

Oneil Cruz Is Showing What the Pirates Were Missing

Earlier this season, Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz was breaking out and finally taking his game to the next level. Ever since he debuted back in 2021, it felt like the baseball world was awaiting that one “big year” from Cruz, as his electric power was second to none in the sport.

Brandon Lowe News / Field Level Media / September 13

Brandon Lowe's pinch-hit heroics help Pirates evade sweep by Cubs

Brandon Lowe drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single in the sixth inning as the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 Sunday. The Cubs (83-67) fell into a tie with the Phillies for the first National League wild-card spot.

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The '10K-yard, 80-TD NFL receivers' quiz

The '5+ rushing-TD NFL seasons' quiz

The 'Most yards through two NFL seasons' quiz

The 'Women's U.S. Open champions' quiz

MLB News / Yardbarker / September 13

Don Kelly defends pulling Paul Skenes in Pirates' late loss to Cubs

With a slim 3-2 lead and Paul Skenes on the mound, Don Kelly made a decision that some believe sank the Pittsburgh Pirates' playoff hopes. It's also one the Pirates' manager had to answer for immediately following Pittsburgh's 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

Cubs announce plans for return of Dansby Swanson

Cubs' Alex Bregman's explosive second half helping to erase slow start

The 'National League Cy Young winners' quiz

Esmerlyn Valdez News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 12

Pirates Place Esmerlyn Valdez On 10-Day Injured List

The Pirates placed outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez on the 10-day injured list today before their afternoon matchup with the Cubs. Utilityman Ronny Simon got the call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis to take his place on the active roster.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / EssentiallySports / September 12

'Holy F***': Pirates Manager Explodes After Umpires Refuse to Overturn Crucial Call

Another day, another umpiring controversy. From balls-and-strikes calls to check swings to askew hats, the MLB world witnessed plenty of controversy between the umpires and teams.

Mike Clevinger News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 12

KBO’s NC Dinos Sign Mike Clevinger

The NC Dinos of the Korea Baseball Organization announced they’ve signed right-hander Mike Clevinger (h/t to Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net). It’s a six-week deal as an injury replacement for righty Curtis Taylor.

Ryan O'Hearn News / Field Level Media / September 11

Pirates activate 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn from IL

The Pittsburgh Pirates brought back veteran first baseman and outfielder Ryan O'Hearn from the 10-day injured list Friday. The Pirates activated O'Hearn and optioned outfielder Ronny Simon to Triple-A Indianapolis before falling 12-2 to the host Chicago Cubs in the opener of a three-game series.

Braxton Ashcraft News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 10

Pirates Place Braxton Ashcraft On 15-Day Injured List

The Pirates announced that right-hander Braxton Ashcraft has been placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to September 7) due to discomfort in his throwing arm.

Oneil Cruz News / Larry Brown Sports / September 10

Watch: 6-foot-7 Oneil Cruz was ready to throw it down during bench-clearing scene

Oneil Cruz looked ready to use his great size advantage during a heated moment in Wednesday’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago, Ill.

Mason Montgomery News / Just Baseball / September 9

How Adding a Sinker Transformed Mason Montgomery’s 2026 Season

During the first half of the 2026 MLB season, the Pittsburgh Pirates were defined by one thing: a lack of bullpen depth, and more specifically, a lack of a lockdown closer.

Luke Weaver News / Larry Brown Sports / September 5

Pirates pitcher blames poison ivy for his recent struggles

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Luke Weaver has been a disappointment since the team acquired him a month ago at the MLB trade deadline. He has dealt with one highly unusual issue that has at least something to do with that.

Luke Weaver News / Yardbarker / September 4

Pirates' Luke Weaver reveals bizarre issue that may be limiting his performance

Since joining the Pirates, Luke Weaver's numbers have taken a dip from what they were with the Mets, and he recently revealed what one of the issues might be.

Konnor Griffin's return could be the Pirates' last hope of clinching a spot in the postseason

Update on when Mets' Steve Cohen could make major David Stearns decision revealed

MLB insider shares massive update on Mets' possible pursuit of Dodgers' Tarik Skubal

The 'National League Cy Young winners' quiz

Konnor Griffin News / Yardbarker / September 4

Konnor Griffin's return could be the Pirates' last hope of clinching a spot in the postseason

The Pittsburgh Pirates' last hope for clinching the final NL Wild Card spot could be helped by the return of rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin. The 20-year-old

MLB releases spring training schedule as dark cloud looms over 2027

MLB insider shares massive update on Mets' possible pursuit of Dodgers' Tarik Skubal

MLB News / Yardbarker / September 2

Pirates make history with massive inning in wild walk-off win vs. Giants

Before the Pittsburgh Pirates finished off a wild game against the San Francisco Giants with a walk-off win, they made franchise history in the third inning.

Pirates outlast Giants after blowing six-run lead

The 'Active MLB 1K-hit club' quiz

MLB News / Yardbarker / September 2