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 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

News

Since his return from injury, the Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop has brought an infectious and overwhelming playoff-like energy that is propelling the team closer and closer to the postseason.

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

News

While their chances remain slim, the Pittsburgh Pirates can still possibly make the postseason.

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

News

Needing every win they can manage for the rest of the season, these are the biggest keys to a series victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

News

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.