Ben Cherington’s 3 Best Moves as Pirates General Manager

Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now evaluates Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington's top three moves following an 82-80 finish in the 2026 season. Demilio highlights the three-team acquisition of Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery, and Jake Mangum, the trade shedding Ke'Bryan Hayes' contract to Cincinnati, and signing rookie Konnor Griffin to a franchise-record nine-year extension.

Demilio argues that landing Lowe and Montgomery while giving up Mike Burrows significantly bolstered the team. He also praises Cherington for clearing Hayes' remaining salary to eventually acquire reliever Luke Weaver, alongside securing Griffin on a long-term $140 million contract following his early MLB debut.