Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates

February 26, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates Headlines

Paul Skenes took the mound for his first spring training start with the Pirates, showcasing his talent by striking out four batters despite walking four in the process. As Skenes gears up for the World Baseball Classic, the pressure is mounting for the Pirates to secure his future, with the potential for Konnor Griffin to become a cornerstone alongside him as extension talks begin for the top prospect. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna's contract details hint at the Pirates' gamble on his comeback, while Oneil Cruz's experiment in center field left fans both excited and concerned after a wild gaffe. Today's 3-1 loss to the Braves may not count in the standings, but the focus remains on player development and finding the right combinations for the regular season.

Sources

Paul Skenes walks four, strikes out four in first Pirates spring training start

Paul Skenes walks four, strikes out four in first Pirates spring training start

Pirates fans saw their first glimpse of the 2025 National League Cy Young winner on Wednesday afternoon. Paul Skenes took the mound for the first time in 2026 against the Atlanta Braves in North Port, Florida. It’s the only game Skenes is scheduled to pitch for the Pirates before joining Team USA for the 2026 […]

Pirates, Konnor Griffin Open To Extension Talks

Pirates, Konnor Griffin Open To Extension Talks

The baseball world is currently buzzing with excitement about Konnor Griffin. He hasn’t even hit his 20th birthday yet but is considered to be the top prospect in baseball and has a chance to break camp with the Pirates. Locking him up to a long-term deal is also a possibility, with Noah Hiles of the […]

Juuuuust a bit outside: Olson challenges Skenes pitch that missed by how much?

Juuuuust a bit outside: Olson challenges Skenes pitch that missed by how much?

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Baseball has long been a game of inches. Now, it seems, baseball might become a game of tenths of inches. At least it was that way on Wednesday, when the Braves beat the Pirates, 3-1, at CoolToday Park. For reference, one-tenth of an inch is roughly

Pirates bet big on Marcell Ozuna’s incentive-fueled comeback as contract details surface

Pirates bet big on Marcell Ozuna’s incentive-fueled comeback as contract details surface

The incentive details from Marcell Ozuna's contract show just how much the Pittsburgh Pirates are betting on him returning to form in 2026.

Pirates fans just got a taste of the Oneil Cruz center field experiment after wild gaffe

Pirates fans just got a taste of the Oneil Cruz center field experiment after wild gaffe

Pirates fans saw Oneil Cruz's ceiling at the plate Wednesday, but they also saw the floor in center field.

Skenes sees gold for U.S. at WBC: 'What we do'

Skenes sees gold for U.S. at WBC: 'What we do'

NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes of the Pirates has all the motivation he needs heading into the WBC, courtesy of Team USA's success at the Winter Olympics.