Pirates' Paul Skenes Plays Birthday Prank on Teammate

How Jake Mangum Has Done With the Pirates

The Pirates added outfielder Mangum from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade back on Dec, 19. They also landed power-hitting second baseman Brandon Lowe and left-handed relief pitcher Mason Montgomery, while sending right-handed starting pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros.

Mangum has filled his role as a versatile outfielder so far for the Pirates in Spring Training, with nine starts, including three times in left field, four times in center field and twice in right field.

He works well in the outfield with his quickness and solid glove, even throwing out a runner against the Minnesota Twins in a 6-4 win at LECOM Park in Bradenton on Feb. 26

Mangum has also hit impressively so far for Pittsburgh, slashing .348/.375/.478 for an OPS of .853 in eight Grapefruit League games, with eight hits in 23 at-bats, a double and a triple, two RBI, one walk to six strikeouts and one stolen base.

He is someone that hates striking out and will always do whatever he can to get on base, even stealing a base before the pitch against the Rays at home in a 4-1 win on March 2.

Mangum's style of play will endear him to Pirates fans, who love undervalued players that provide depth and are willing to put in hard work in each and everything they do, even if it doesn't always work out.

He also has a prior relationship with top prospect Konnor Griffin, as they both went to the same high school in Jackson Prepartory School in Jackson, Miss.

Paul Skenes Readies for Big Team USA Test

Skenes will make his first start for Team USA, as they face off againt rival Team Mexico in Pool Play at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros on March 9.

First pitch is set for 8:00 p.m. (EST) and will have a national broadcast on FOX, giving Pirates and baseball fans a chance to see one of the best pitchers in baseball early on in 2026.

Skenes made a start in an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Ariz. on March 3, where he gave up a double and a run, but then retired nine consecutive batters with four strikeouts in the 15-1 victory.

This matchup against Mexico is a big deal, as if Skenes pitches well, he could ensure a spot in the knockout stages for the United States and another start for himself too, most likely in the semifinals.

Skenes is coming off a Cy Young campaign and the Pirates will need him to have that again in 2026, as they try and earn a spot in the postseason.