Pirates’ record-setting strikeout total exposes clear next step for pitching staff

Writer Brandon Glick argues that the Pittsburgh Pirates must translate their strikeout dominance into better run prevention and more wins. The Pirates achieved their first winning season since 2018 at 82-80, setting a new single-season franchise record with 1,496 strikeouts to rank fifth in Major League Baseball.

Despite the strikeout total, Glick notes the Pirates recorded a 4.15 ERA, the worst among MLB's top five strikeout teams. He highlights defensive deficiencies and full-season bullpen consistency as key areas general manager Ben Cherington must address to support the pitching staff.