What changes can the Pirates make to get over the hump?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are finishing their best season in a decade, but the team still fell short of qualifying for the playoffs. Pitcher Paul Skenes experienced an inconsistent season, noting that participation in the World Baseball Classic may have disrupted his early preparations. Fellow pitchers Carmen Mlodzinski, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller also struggled, while first-year pitching coach Bill Murphy oversaw a bullpen that blew 16 saves throughout the 2026 campaign.

Offensively, the franchise faces ongoing challenges at the catcher position, where Henry Davis has remained an offensive liability despite his defensive capabilities. General Manager Ben Cherington continues to view a future involving catchers Davis, Rafael Flores Jr., and Endy Rodriguez as the organization evaluates roster adjustments for the upcoming season.