Pirates Amongst Best in MLB to Start 2026
In this story:
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a good start to their season and one that baseball fans and national media are starting to seriously take serious note of.
The Pirates moved up two spots to No. 5 in MLB power rankings from MLB.com, putting them amongst the top five teams in baseball to start 2026.
Pittsburgh is 13-9 through the first 22 games and seven series of the season, tied for the sixth best record in baseball and in the mix of the highly competitive National League Central Division.
The Pirates finished 2025 with the fifth worst record in baseball and last in their division at 71-91 overall, but there's reason for optimism for a team trying to make the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.
Offense Continuing Tear Through First Month
Hitting was a major problem for the Pirates in 2025, as they finished last or close to last in most offensive metrics.
The Pirates rank in the top 10 in most hitting statistical categories, including top five in on-base percentage, OPS and hits, while also ranking tied for sixth in home runs.
Pirates 2026 MLB Rankings in Hitting
Stat (Total) | Ranking |
|---|---|
On Base % (.342)/OPS (.744) | Fourth |
Hits (194) | Fifth |
Runs Scored (113)/RBI (110) | Sixth |
Stolen Bases (22) | Sixth |
Slugging % (.402) | Sixth |
Home Runs (26) | Tied-Sixth |
Batting Average (.253) | Seventh |
Walks (94) | Eight |
The Pirates having more power is a key part of their success this season, but they already have 22% of the home runs they hit last season (117), through the first 22 games.
Key offseason additions in second baseman Brandon Lowe, via trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, and both right fielder/first baseman Ryan O'Hearn and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna through free agency have provided said power so far.
Lowe leads the Pirates and ranks tied for sixth in baseball with seven home runs, while O'Hearn has hit four home runs and Ozuna, who had a terrible start, got going during the last homestand and added two big home runs.
The Pirates have also gotten an incredible season from center fielder Oneil Cruz, who is slashing .292/.364/.551 for an OPS of .915, with five doubles, six home runs, 19 RBI, and nine stolen bases, tied for second in baseball.
Pittsburgh is also getting contributions from other hitters like first baseman Spencer Horwitz, new third baseman Nick Yorke and outfielder Jake Mangum, giving them multiple options for who can provide offense every game.
Pitching Looking Strong, Despite Some Bullpen Issues
The Pirates have continued their great pitching showing from 2025 into 2026, with their starting rotation dominating and the bullpen having some good and bad things from it.
Pirates 2026 MLB Rankings in Pitching
Stat (Total) | Ranking |
|---|---|
ERA (3.22) | Tied-Second |
Batting Average Allowed (BAA) (.222) | Sixth |
Strikeouts (207) | Seventh |
WHIP (1.27) | Tied-10th |
The Pirates rank tied for second in ERA and surprisingly, 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes has the highest ERA In the starting rotation at 3.27.
Carmen Mlodzinski has the lowest at 1.77, Braxton Ashcraft is second at 2.38, Mitch Keller is third at 2.79 and Bubba Chandler is fourth at 3.15.
All five pitchers have shown they can pitch deep into games and that they're getting better at fixing some early issues, whether it be walks, command, high pitch counts, etc.
The Pirates have three great high-leverage relievers in left-hander Gregory Soto (0.77), right-hander Dennis Santana (0.82) and Isaac Mattson (1.32), who make sure that they can keep their team in it or secure a win.
Pittsburgh has struggled finding a middle reliever to take on some low-leverage or bulk role, but new rookie Wilber Dotel could serve as the solution, especially with his great four-seam fastball.
Yohan Ramírez has had a solid showing in 2026 and lefty Mason Montgomery has thrown five straight scoreless outings, making for an important part of their bullpen.
The Pirates have pitched great so far, but if they fix their bullpen issues, they could have the best pitching staff in baseball.
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Dominic writes for Pittsburgh Pirates On SI, Pittsburgh Panthers Pn SI and also, Pittsburgh Steelers On SI. A Pittsburgh native, Dominic grew up watching Pittsburgh Sports and wrote for The Pitt News as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, covering Pitt Athletics. He would write for Pittsburgh Sports Now after college and has years of experience covering sports across Pittsburgh.