Five Predictions for 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates

Opening day has arrived, and the Pittsburgh Pirates begin their season on Thursday afternoon when they play the Mets at Citi Field in New York. With the first pitch just a few hours away, let’s make some predictions about the 2026 Pirates.

1-Paul Skenes will win a second consecutive National League Cy Young Award.

Yeah, I’m really going out on a limb with this prediction. After all, Skenes won the award unanimously last season, and there are just a few pitchers in the NL who can challenge him.

Skenes has been phenomenal in his two major league seasons, posting a 1.96 ERA through 55 career starts. His record is 21-13, but Skenes would have more wins if he had just a smidge of run support, and the bullpen would consistently hold leads.

Looking ahead, the Pirates should score more runs after finishing last in the majors in that category last season. The bullpen also projects to be a team strength, suggesting this could be the season Skenes finally has some good luck, with his record potentially improving from 10-10 last year to 15-5 this season.

2-Konnor Griffin will win the NL Rookie of the Year.

Yes, the heralded 19-year-old shortstop will begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis. Much like Skenes in 2023, Griffin doesn’t seem destined for a long stay in Indy.

Griffin has the talent, maturity, and work ethic to succeed immediately in the big leagues. He will force his way to Pittsburgh and make an immediate major impact.

3-Oneil Cruz starts living up to his potential.

Everyone knows Cruz’s talent is seemingly limitless. He hits balls hard and far. runs like a deer and has a strong throwing arm. Yet his skills keep being undermined by mental and physical mistakes.

Now 27, Cruz finally seems to be taking things seriously. Cruz spent the entire offseason working on his hitting and fielding, and his approach to his craft was much more conscientious in spring training.

4-Braxton Ashcraft pitches in the All-Star Game.

The big right-hander doesn’t get the same hype as fellow rotation mate Bubba Chandler, who should be a strong candidate for NL Rookie of the Year. However, Ashcraft is just as good as Chandler but without the hype.

Ashcraft is big, strong, and has great stuff. However, Ashcraft is also a thinking man’s pitcher who is starting to sharpen his mental side.

5-The Pirates do something different this year.

Finishing above .500 isn’t a big deal for most franchises. However, it’s monumental for Pittsburgh, which has had four winning seasons in the last 33 years.

The Pirates are going to be improved this season after general manager Ben Cherington overhauled the roster over the winter.

I say the Pirates will finish with an 82-80 record. For those who like to dream, it should be noted that 83 wins were enough to make the postseason a year ago.

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