Pirates Predicted to Miss Playoffs Again in 2027

The Pittsburgh Pirates missed the playoffs in 2026, but there was still a lot to be excited about with this franchise.

Pittsburgh finished the year with a record of 82-80, with the team showing fight down the stretch of the season. While the team didn't qualify for the playoffs, the Pirates seemed to take another step forward in terms of their overall development.

The Pirates have a nice collection of young talent on the roster, and this team has a ton of confidence heading into a crucial offseason. Many players on the Pirates spoke highly about the future of the team, with a few pointing to 2027 as the year that the franchise breaks the long playoff drought.

However, in a new piece by MLB analyst Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, the Pirates are predicted to miss the playoffs in 2027. Rymer has Pittsburgh finishing the year with a record of 84-78 on the season, finishing 84-78 in the National League Central.

Of course, this prediction is based on how the team looks like now, with no additions coming to the roster. But whether the Pirates actually decide to add this offseason could determine everything for the franchise.

The Pirates do have a nice collection of talent on the roster, but for this team to be taken over the top, the front office is going to have to spend this offseason. But the impending lockout could cause some problems with this, and historically, Pittsburgh has stayed on the sidelines in major free-agent deals.

Even if the Pirates were to spend a little this offseason, it could have major implications on how the team performs next season. The Pirates front office owes it to the fanbase and the players to add this offseason, hopefully to end the long postseason drought.

Pittsburgh will also need to see ace Paul Skenes return to form, with him struggling at different times this past season. After two years of dominance, Skenes looked human this past season, with the right-hander posting a 3.82 ERA over 32 starts.

If Skenes can return to form, this team could take another step forward, potentially into the playoffs. But the Pirates shouldn't sit on their hands this offseason; instead, the front office should take charge.

Pittsburgh is close to ending the drought, and this coming winter could play a massive role in the future of this organization.