Raise the Jolly Roger!
It’s that time of year again, when spring training for the MLB starts in the beautiful states of Arizona and Florida. Pirates have had a dominant showing so far, just winning 16-7 against the Boston Red Sox, with Pirates’ shortstop 19-year-old top prospect, Konnor Griffin, hitting two home runs against them.
The Pirates have been more aggressive than usual in the offseason, adding veteran players such as Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay), Ryan O’Hearn (San Diego), and Jose Urquidy (Detroit). These actions have made Yinzers look forward to the 2026 season, but how high should expectations be?
The Pirates stand 9-2 in the Grapefruit Spring Training League, top of the standings, and have won their past five games, with the second-highest run difference of +31. Pittsburgh ranks amongst the top MLB teams in hitting, including seventh in on-base percentage (.371), and ninth in batting average (.274).
With free agent Andrew McCutchen’s absence in Spring Training, Oneil Cruz, the Pirates’ center fielder and shortstop, has led off four of the five games he’s started in the Grapefruit League. He has gained .538/.600/.846 for an on-base slugging of 1.446 with seven hits in 13 at-bats, tied for the team lead with three stolen bases, and ranks second with five runs scored.
The Pirates have more power-hitters in the lineup, which means that Cruz doesn’t have to be the main power hitter for the team, even though he is the most projected Pirates’ player to make the team earn a winning season.
The team also has another leadoff power hitter once Cruz goes to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic: Jake Mangum. Newly acquired outfielder Mangum has also performed well for the team, slashing. 400/.438/.600 for an on-base slugging of 1.038, with six hits in 15 at-bats, a double and a triple, plus two RBI.
The Pirates still have options for power and added new players this offseason. Bryan Reynolds has hit third in the lineup in his five starts, while free agent Ryan O’Hearn has hit fourth in four of his five starts.
Free agent signing Marcell Ozuna has moved around, but stated in his range for a power hitter. He’s hit fifth twice, fourth once, third once, and also second one time too.
First baseman Spencer Horwitz isn’t considered the top power hitter on the team, but still strong at the plate. He’s started four of his six games at the third spot in the lineup, plus one time each at second and sixth spots, too.
These four players should serve as the main power hitters for the Pirates in the upcoming 2026 season.
Although, as mentioned before, Konnor Griffin is the top prospect in baseball currently, and many Yinzers are hoping he is on the Opening Day roster as their shortstop, even at his young age of 19.
Griffin has started five games, playing at both ends of the lineup, with three times at second in the lineup and then once each at the seventh and eighth spots.
No matter where he is in the lineup, though, he hits his home runs at either place, with his first two home runs of Spring Training in the latter spot vs. the Red Sox on Feb. 24 and then another home run in the earlier spot against the Cardinals on March 1.
The Pirates can place him at different spots depending on what is needed, since he can hit for power and contact. He has great speed as well, stealing 65 bases last season in the minor leagues.
With all this said, many Pirates fans look forward to seeing where Griffin will land on the historic team, and how he will help the team come to a winning season for the first time in seven seasons, following their last winning season in 2018.
No matter what moves the team makes, one thing is for sure: The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2026 home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park. The team will need to ensure its lineup is solid before Opening Day.
