Ethan Merrill

Ethan Merrill

Joined: Feb 24, 2025

Ethan Merrill is from Grand Rapids, MI, and brings with him a diverse background of experiences. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, he worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks for three seasons before settling in the Pittsburgh area in 2020. With a passion for sports and a growing connection to his community, Ethan brings a fresh perspective to covering the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates fright fielder Ryan O'Hearn (29) celebrates his two run home run with shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

May 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) talks with a fan before the game against the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) is shown as he walks back to the dugout after being pulled in the first inning, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin (75) at bat during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) trots around the bases after hitting a first inning home-run, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are already reaping the benefits of a pivotal December trade.

Mar 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) throws out New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) (not pictured) during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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The Pittsburgh Pirates open a three game series against the Cincinnati Reds for their first divisional matchup.

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) hits the wall as Cincinnati Reds right fielder Noelvi Marte (16) scores on an inside the park home run in the eighth inning between Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburg Pirates at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sept. 24, 2025.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates showed a potential achilles heel on Opening Day.

Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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How can the Pittsburgh Pirates turn promise into a postseason appearance?

Jul 22, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Seth Hernandez (left) the Pittsburgh Pirates first round and number six overall pick in the 2025 first year player draft looks at the glove of Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) before the game against the Detroit Tigers at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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The Pittsburgh Pirates prospect lit up the radar gun — and the internet — in his electrifying debu

Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) runs to second base on a two-rbi double against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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The Pittsburgh Pirates' prospects edged out the Detroit Tigers' farmhands in a high-scoring affair.

Mar 9, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States pitcher Paul Skenes (30) reacts after a strike out in the first inning against Mexico at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Diving into the Pittsburgh Pirates' and Team USA ace's career numbers against a powerful Dominican Republic team.

Mar 3, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Team USA pitcher Paul Skenes against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

The Pittsburgh Pirates ace has a special message to deliver before taking the mound for Team USA.

Jul 12, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; National League Konnor Griffin (24) throws the ball during the second inning against American League at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Why should fans be back in on the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Sep 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis (32) chases Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (not pictured) in a run down during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates have four catchers on their 40-man roster — but only one can start Opening Day.

Feb 18, 2026; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Brandan Bidois (77) poses for a photo during media day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

A little-known arm in the Pittsburgh Pirates' camp who has a legitimate path to the Opening Day roster.

Aug 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin who was the ninth overall pick in first round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft in the batting cage before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

After an aggressive off-season, the Pittsburgh Pirates report to Bradenton with expectations — and questions.