Jacob Punturi

Jacob Punturi

Joined: Jul 11, 2024

Jacob is a featured writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for Steelers On SI and the NHL for Breakaway On SI. He also co-hosts the All Steelers Talk podcast. Previous work covering the NHL for Inside the Penguins and The Hockey News.

Sep 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) hits an RBI single during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Sep 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) takes the field against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Sep 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis (32) and center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) high-five after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Sep 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) throws to first base after a force out at second base against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Aug 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) walks to the dugout after a pitching change against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Anything short of that will likely result in the Pittsburgh Pirates moving on from Don Kelly.

Aug 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) argues with umpire James Hoye (92) in the fifth against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

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It's not all on him, but Don Kelly is clearly not the right answer for the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Apr 1, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Thomas Harrington (78) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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These four players are the best prospects for the Pittsburgh Pirates to part with in a potential trade.

Jun 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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He has to stop putting his team in worse situations by how he's managing these games, or else the Pittsburgh Pirates' unlikely run will come to a screeching halt.

Jun 2, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) hits a three-run home run during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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What kind of deal should the Pittsburgh Pirates be pursuing if they want to deal Oneil Cruz?

Jun 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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These three Pittsburgh Pirates disappointments in particular stand out as the biggest letdowns so far and must be corrected in the second half of the season.

Jul 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) heads to the bullpen to warm up before pitching against the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Rest assured, these Pittsburgh Pirates are for real and have the pieces to go on a meaningful run this fall.

Jul 12, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller (22) celebrates after the Padres beat the Toronto Blue Jays at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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That’s why the Pittsburgh Pirates have to shoot for the stars and target this hometown pitcher.

Jul 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana (60) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Despite his struggles, the Pittsburgh Pirates have remained committed to their former closer and struggling bullpen arm.

Jul 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

That's what the best pitchers and MVP players do, and that's what Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes will do in Konnor Griffin's absence.

Feb 20, 2024; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jack Brannigan (83) poses for a photo during photo day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The move signifies that the Pittsburgh Pirates are likely to put Konnor Griffin on the Injured List again.

Jun 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) after allowing a hit in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

That package is a bit of an overpay for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it is exactly the direction the team must go.