Mar 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jared Triolo (19) fields a ground ball by New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (not pictured) during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Winners and Losers From Pirates First Two Series

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 9:00 AM ET

PITTSBURGH — Following back-to-back 8-3 victories over the Cincinnati Reds, the Pittsburgh Pirates won their first series of the 2026 season and improved their record to 3-3.

The showing against Cincinnati is the type of play the Pirates expected this season. The bats were alive and well, putting up 16 runs over three games, and the pitching gave up just six runs over the same set of games.

It was a much better series for the Pirates, and now they prepare for their home-opening series against the Baltimore Orioles. With the rematch of the and 1971 and 1979 World Series just ahead, the team already has some clear cut winners and losers after the first two series.

Winner - Ryan O’Hearn

The left-handed swinging and throwing outfielder and first baseman has been excellent to start his Pirates tenure. In 19 at-bats, he’s recorded eight hits. His .421 batting average paces the Buccos, and he also has two home runs and six runs batted in. Playing some solid defense as well, O'Hearn has been an immediate upgrade in the field and in the middle of their lineup.

Loser - Jared Triolo

The Gold Glove defender is having a rough start to the season. Things are already difficult enough in the field, as he’s been asked to play shortstop until Konnor Griffin’s inevitable call-up to the MLB team. His defense has been sterling once again, but his ability at the plate remains a problem.

He’s played in five games so far with 20 plate appearances. In those at-bats, he has just three hits. Comparatively, he has four strikeouts. The defense cannot make up for his miserable offensive showing all season long, and the Pirates need him to get going at the plate.

Winner - Gregory Soto

One of the Pirates’ acts of spending this past offseason was giving left-handed reliever Gregory Soto a one-year contract worth $7.75 million. The fully guaranteed deal was a big investment from Pittsburgh, and through his first four appearances it's obvious why they were willing to pay for the veteran reliever.

In four appearances, he’s been one of the best arms out of the Pirates’ bullpen. He’s pitched 4.1 innings so far, and he's looked lights out. He has eight strikeouts compared to just two walks. He also has only given up two hits, and he still hasn't allowed a run. The Pirates seemingly have a great new addition to the bullpen early into the year.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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