New outfielder Jake Mangum ready to make an immediate impression on Pirates, fan base
Jake Mangum blames his family’s football mentality for his aggressive approach at the plate, where he has a well-earned reputation for swinging at nearly every pitch within six inches of the strike zone. Mangum’s father, uncle and grandfather all played professional football, so after making his major-league debut as a...
Pirates plan to tap Mason Montgomery’s potential as lefty flamethrower thrives in relief
A move from the starting rotation to the bullpen reignited Mason Montgomery’s career, serving as a flip of the switch on a pitch that turned the 25-year-old left-hander into a dangerous pitcher. Montgomery was struggling as a starter at Triple-A Durham in 2024 when the Tampa Bay Rays turned him...
U mad, bro?: DK Metcalf’s suspension, Steelers debacle vs. Browns, media coverage of loss blasted by readers
I think we all know what the New Year’s resolutions should be for Pittsburgh’s sports teams in 2026. For the Steelers?: Win a playoff game. Find a long-term answer at quarterback. For the Pirates?: Get a few hits. Finish above .500. For the Penguins?: Stop blowing leads, or figure out...
Pirates 2025 in review: Season ranged from fan frustrations and off-the-field fiascos to Cy Young triumph
To suggest the Pittsburgh Pirates started the 2025 season on the wrong foot is putting it mildly. This one appeared doomed long before they ever played a game at PNC Park. Fans furious over the franchise’s failure to pump up one of the lowest payrolls in the major leagues bought...
Former Pirates pitcher Andrew Heaney retiring after 12 major-league seasons
Pitcher Andrew Heaney says he is retiring after 12 major-league seasons. “I am now ready to return my focus and energy to being a husband, father, family man and active member of my community,” he wrote Sunday on social media. “I’m retiring from baseball, but I hope to give back...
Pirates add another slugger by signing Ryan O’Hearn to 2-year, $29 million free agent deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates were seeking to add another power bat to their lineup, preferably one who could fill a corner infield or outfield spot or serve as a designated hitter. They got all three in Ryan O’Hearn. O’Hearn, a 2025 All-Star who is a middle-of-the-order bat and can play first...
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and wife welcome new baby boy
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and his wife, Maria, have something extra to celebrate this holiday season. On Tuesday, Allegheny Health Network announced that the couple’s third son, Suede, was born at AHN Wexford Hospital on Sunday afternoon. The McCutchens announced the impending arrival of their fifth child several months ago....
‘A good fit’: Newly acquired Pirates 2B Brandon Lowe excited about hitting at PNC Park
Brandon Lowe was still processing the idea of playing for a major-league team other than the Tampa Bay Rays after being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates when it was suggested that PNC Park suits his profile. It didn’t take long for the two-time All-Star second baseman, a left-handed hitter who...
‘There’s a lot more out there for us’: After big trade, Pirates prepare to make more moves
After pulling over the boldest and, perhaps, best trade of his tenure as Pittsburgh Pirates general manager, Ben Cherington spoke like someone who finally had the freedom to make major changes to the roster. Signing left-handed high-leverage reliever Gregory Soto, a two-time All-Star, to a one-year, $7.75 million contract was...
Pirates GM Ben Cherington excited to add All-Star 2B Brandon Lowe, calling him ‘a strong fit’
Brandon Lowe fit the profile the Pittsburgh Pirates were seeking to add to their lineup, and the two-time All-Star second baseman became a target Ben Cherington identified early as a potential trade possibility. The Pirates general manager was dealing directly with the Tampa Bay Rays about Lowe but also discussing...
Pirates acquire big bat in 2-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe in 3-team deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the offseason seeking to add a hitter with pop to their anemic offense, with the expectation that it would address their needs for a corner infielder and outfielder. After swinging and missing on sluggers Josh Naylor and Kyle Schwarber in free agency, the Pirates opted to...
New Pirates reliever Gregory Soto eager to embrace any role out of bullpenVideo
The full shape of this offseason’s maneuvering by the Pittsburgh Pirates has yet to be finalized. Before Friday’s trade for slugger Brandon Lowe, it featured mostly swings and misses as the Pirates were linked to several high-profile free agents, namely Kyle Schwarber, though almost all were unsuccessful. One notable offseason...
Paul Skenes, David Bednar, Mason Miller bring Pittsburgh flair to U.S. World Baseball Classic pitching staff
NEW YORK — Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has agreed to pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a pitching staff that includes reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The U.S. staff the 2023...
Pittsburgh media personality Guy Junker turned love of sports into a winning career
Editor’s note: The following story was submitted for the Shaler Area Student Section, a collaboration between TribLive and The Oracle, the student newspaper of Shaler Area High School. Pittsburgh sports have changed a lot over the past 45 years, but one thing has managed to stay the same: Guy Junker....
Pirates manager Don Kelly finalizes staff, adding new infield, assistant pitching coaches
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly rounded out the rest of his coaching staff by hiring Chris Truby as infield coach, Shawn Bowman as field coordinator and Thomas Whitsett as assistant pitching coach, the team announced Thursday. They will be joined on Kelly’s staff by Kristopher Negrón as bench coach, Bill...
Paul Skenes Cy Young bobblehead highlights Pirates’ 2026 promotion schedule
Fans lined around PNC Park and across the Roberto Clemente Bridge last season to get their hands on a Paul Skenes bobblehead. They will have their chance to do so again this coming spring. The Pirates announced their 2026 promotional schedule Thursday, including a Paul Skenes Cy Young bobblehead giveaway...
First Call: ESPN projects T.J. Watt’s playing status; ex-MLB GM rips Pirates ‘eye wash’ free-agent offers
Friday’s “First Call” paints a bleak picture when it comes to T.J. Watt’s playing status for Monday night. A former MLB general manager is mocking the Pirates’ alleged contract offers to some significant free agents. The Penguins need to salvage their homestand against some teams from the Western Conference this...
U mad, bro?: Steelers media, NFL officials, Pirates front office on the naughty list this holiday season
When the calendar turns to December, there are always three things you can complain about every year. 1. The cold weather. 2. Mall traffic on McKnight Road. 3. The Steelers. This week reminded me to add two more to the list. • NFL officiating. • What the Pirates are doing...
Pirates pick Orioles pitcher in Rule 5 Draft but trade him to Rangers for prospect, cash
The Pittsburgh Pirates stocked up on pitching in the Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., then flipped their pick in the major league phase for a prospect and cash considerations. The Pirates selected 23-year-old right-hander Carter Baumler from the Baltimore Orioles with the fifth...
‘We’re casting a wide net’: After striking out on Kyle Schwarber, Pirates GM ready to pivot
When MLB Network showed a potential Pittsburgh Pirates starting lineup based on the current 40-man roster, it gave a glimpse into why the front office plans to be aggressive in free agency and through trades. While the Pirates have 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, the position...
Tim Benz: If Kyle Schwarber bid signals dive into deep waters, Ben Cherington can’t wear a life vest
At his weekly press conference, the only thing Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was not asked about was his level of surprise at the news that the Pirates’ “bid” to sign free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber came up short. My guess is that he is as completely stunned as the rest...
After missing on Kyle Schwarber, Pirates sign lefty reliever Gregory Soto to $7.75M deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates took their first big swings in free agency, missing on slugger Kyle Schwarber on a multiyear offer but signing a veteran left-handed, high-leverage reliever in Gregory Soto to a one-year, $7.75 million contract, a source confirmed Tuesday night to TribLive. Where the Pirates offered Schwarber a long-term...
Despite having 3rd-best odds of winning 2026 MLB Draft lottery, Pirates draw No. 5 pick
The Pittsburgh Pirates slipped two spots in the lottery for the 2026 MLB Draft, drawing the No. 5 overall pick despite having a 16.8% chance of landing the top overall pick for the third time in six years. The Chicago White Sox, who had the best odds at 27.7%, received...
Mark Madden: Pirates are making free agency headlines, but is it all for show?
Some offers are meant to be refused. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ reported four-year, $100 million-plus offer to free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, for example. The Pirates knew Schwarber would get better offers. He ultimately re-upped with Philadelphia: Five years, $150 million. The Phillies dangled more cash and, obviously, a better chance to...
First Call: John Harbaugh struggles with officiating after loss to Steelers; examining Pirates’ reported offer to Kyle Schwarber
Monday’s “First Call” has John Harbaugh’s reaction to those officiating controversies in the Steelers-Ravens game Sunday. We look at the Steelers’ next opponent on “Monday Night Football,” and we have odds on the Penn State and Pitt bowl games. Plus, we examine that alleged contractual offer to Kyle Schwarber from...
