3 questions for the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason

In some ways, the 2026 season was a success for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates finished the year with an 82-80 record, finishing third in the NL Central. That marked the Pirates' first winning season since 2015 and their best finish in the division since third place in 2016. However, the Pirates failed to reach the postseason again, extending their playoff drought to 11 consecutive years.

While the Pirates appear to be primed to take the next step, it may come down to ownership and Bob Nutting's willingness to spend on the roster. The Pirates have a talented core but have several holes heading into the offseason. 

Three questions facing the Pittsburgh Pirates

1. Can the Pirates bring second baseman Brandon Lowe back?

The Pirates acquired Lowe as part of a three-team trade during the 2025-26 offseason, hoping that his powerful bat would ignite the lineup. Lowe outperformed even the loftiest expectations, posting a .260/.331/.493 batting line with 35 homers and 29 doubles.

That performance will likely result in a significant pay raise over the $11.5 million Lowe received in 2026. The Pirates are interested in retaining their second baseman and will reportedly extend a qualifying offer to keep him in town. If he accepts, the Pirates will have a year to work out a longer-term deal. Otherwise, the Pirates will find themselves in a bidding war for his services.

2. Can staff ace Paul Skenes return to form?

Skenes had a solid showing in 2026 by any other standard, posting a 3.82 ERA and a 1.119 WHIP in his 174.1 innings, striking out 200 batters with 49 walks. The problem is that Skenes had set an exceedingly high bar over his first two seasons, posting a 1.96 ERA and a 0.948 WHIP in his 320.2 innings between 2024 and 2025, striking out 386 batters with 74 walks.

It is possible that the Pirates' playoff drought would have ended had Skenes replicated his previous form. The Pirates will need him to return to his typical standard if they are going to return to the postseason in 2027. 

3. Can the Pirates find a way to beat left-handed pitching?

The Pirates were mediocre against left-handed pitching, posting an 18-33 record against lefty starters while producing a .248/.316/.385 batting line. Three of the Pirates' best hitters — Lowe, center fielder Oneil Cruz and first baseman/right fielder Ryan O'Hearn — are lefties, helping to explain part of those struggles.

The Pirates have holes on the roster, even if Lowe stays. Adding a right-handed bat capable of playing third base and/or the outfield could help. Likewise, a platoon partner for Spencer Horwitz, who posted a .224/.333/.263 batting line against left-handed pitching in 90 plate appearances, would make sense. The Pirates may be able to find a possible bargain or two as a platoon bat as they look to fill out the roster.