When you hear the Pittsburgh Pirates, you will think of Paul Skenes. This will be the case for the foreseeable future.

The LSU product and former No. 1 pick emerged as a big leaguer in a short amount of time and looked like one of the best pitchers in baseball. Skenes leads a pitching staff that features young talent for the Pirates to build around. Will they eventually pay this young talent? That is yet to be seen from a franchise that does not hand out major contract.

Jared Jones is the other hot, young arm that showed promise last season. He is dealing with elbow issues that will keep him out for the first few months of the season. As of now, Jones does not need surgery but that could change in the future. Mitch Keller is signed to remain in Pittsburgh and the top three in the rotation is very strong.

As for the lineup, there are also young pieces scattered with Bryan Reynolds and of course, Pittsburgh legend Andrew McCutchen. O’Neil Cruz leads the young core as he moves to the move outfield with the arrival of Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The lineup leaves much to be desired but the Pirates have some pop at the top.

The National League is loaded and the Pirates are not close to competing just yet. There is work to be done but the front office will have to hand out some contracts if the team wants to compete long-term.

2025 Pittsburgh Pirates Season Preview

Major Additions: Andrew Heaney, Tommy Pham

Key Losses: Yasmani Grandal, Aroldis Chapman

Potential Lineup

1. Tommy Pham, OF
2. Bryan Reynolds, OF
3. O’Neil Cruz, OF
4. Andrew McCutchen, DH
5. Joey Bart, C
6. Endy Rodriguez, 1B
7. Nick Gonzalez, 2B
8. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B
9. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS

Potential Rotation

• Paul Skenes
• Mitch Keller
• Andrew Heaney
• Bailey Falter
• Carmen Mlodzinski

Record Prediction

Skenes will be a Cy Young candidate from the start of the season. He has a chance to solidify his spot as one of the best pitchers in the National League and will be in line for a massive payday when the time comes. Jones is on the shelf but is another strong, young arm. The Pirates have made it clear that they do not want to spend money, which makes for an underwhelming lineup but the team has nailed some top picks in the draft. Pittsburgh remains an interesting team and always a fun one to watch — especially every five days.

Final Record: 74-88