Pittsburgh Pirates: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Pirates' Plan After Missing Out On Kazuma Okamoto

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates went after one of the best international free agents this offseason, but came up with nothing in the end. Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, who the Pirates were one of the favorites for, ended up signing with the Toronto Blue Jays on a four-year, $60 million contract, a day before his posting window ended.

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Paul Skenes has made a big change this offseason

Some fans may not recognize pitcher Paul Skenes once the MLB season rolls around. The Pittsburgh Pirates star turned heads this week in a surprise video alongside Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Bucs Dugout / January 3

Pirates miss out on Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have to pivot to new options at third base. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Japanese third baseman Kuzuma Okamoto is signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Athlon Sports / January 3

Pirates’ Paul Skenes Makes Offseason Move on Saturday

Paul Skenes entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and flashing elite talent in parts of his debut campaign.

Kyle Schwarber News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active MLB home run leaders' quiz

How many of the most prolific power hitters in baseball today can you name in 5 minutes?

The 'Last 40-home-run season by MLB team' quiz

The 'MLB All-Star Game MVPs' quiz

The '50-home-run MLB seasons' quiz

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 3

Pirates Miss Out on Japanese Star Kazuma Okamoto

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates worked had to land Kazuma Okamoto, but ultimately, their efforts were unsuccessful. Okamoto ended up signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, spurring the Pirates and the United States for the great north of Canada and the World Series runners-up, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN .

NFL News / Yardbarker

The 25 most memorable sports plays of 2025

When it comes to unforgettable plays within the 2025 sports calendar, this was truly a special year. Here's our rankings of the 25 best.

Jake Mangum News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 3

Pirates' Jake Mangum Finds Silver Linings in Unique Path to MLB

The path to a Major League Baseball debut is rarely a straight line, but for new Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum, his journey provided an unexpected benefit: the hard-earned wisdom of age and perspective.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 3

Pirates Prospect Most Likely to Breakout in 2026

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the better farm systems in baseball, with great prospects throughout the minor leagues. Konnor Griffin became the best prospect in baseball last season, but the Pirates also had some impressive campaigns from lesser known prospects in outfielders Esmerlyn Valdez and Edward Florentino .

Jarren Duran News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 3

Pirates Linked to Red Sox All-Star

While it's not like adding another outfielder is on the top of the Pittsburgh Pirates ' wish list, they certainly wouldn't mind if Jarren Duran came to town.

Paul Skenes News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 3

Livvy Dunne Reacts to Pirates' Paul Skenes' New Look

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes debuted a brand new look for the beginning of the 2026 calendar year. Skenes decided he would go clean shaven, getting rid of his mustache and beard he had throughout 2025, a season he won the National League Cy Young Award.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 2

Pirates dealt another blow in Kazuma Okamoto sweepstakes

In a world where the Pirates are finally starting to make some moves, they were long in on the conversation for the star infielder.

25 current MLB players who will end up in the Hall of Very Good

The 'MLB-first, all-minority lineup' quiz

Andrew McCutchen News / Bucs Dugout / January 2

Pirates begin New Year still without Andrew McCutchen

It has been an absolute joy getting to see Andrew McCutchen rejoin the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023 after playing elsewhere for five seasons. McCutchen has

MLB News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest pitching seasons from the modern MLB era

America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 2

Insider Drops Bold Prediction On Pirates Playoff Outlook

With the reigning Cy Young pitcher and a boatload of new players joining the team, it may finally be time for the Pittsburgh Pirates to make the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 2

Remembering Pirates' Wacky Series vs. Rockies

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates finished with a poor, 71-91 record in 2025, good for last in the National League Central Division and the fifth worst in baseball.

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The 'Heisman Trophy winners since 2000' quiz

The 'TE receiving leaders by NFL team' quiz

The 'Leading receivers vs. each NFL team' quiz

The 'CFP appearances' quiz

Paul Skenes News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 2

Pirates’ Paul Skenes Finally Shaves His Mustache

PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes heads into his third season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2026 and decided that the New Year brings one major change to his look.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Pittsburgh Pirates on SI / January 2

Pirates Get Update on Kazuma Okamoto Pursuit

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have little time remaining in their quest for landing Kazuma Okamoto before his signing period ends. The Pirates have made their push, showing interest when the Yomiuri Giants of NPB posted him in November and have held virtual meetings with Okamoto and his team.

Pittsburgh Pirates News / Just Baseball / January 2