Pittsburgh Pirates News

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Ryan O'Hearn • RF • Pirates

Ryan O'Hearn Sparks Offense, Tallies Career-High Six RBI in Sacramento

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ryan O'Hearn led the offensive onslaught at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Wednesday night in the team's 12-4 victory over the hosting Athletics. O'Hearn went 3-for-5 at the plate with a two-run home run, a double, and a career-high six RBI to boost his season average to .290 and his OPS to .826. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed slugger took advantage of the hitter-friendly venue and drove in two runs with each of his three hits on the night. The former eighth-round selection by the Kansas City Royals in 2014 out of Sam Houston State University is now hitting a cool .290/.351/.475 with 11 home runs, 41 RBI, 33 runs scored, and one stolen base in his 60 games across 245 plate appearances in 2026 in his first year with the Pirates. In 15 games in June, he's gone 16-for-58 (.276) with three homers, two doubles, 11 RBI, and five runs scored. The key this year is that he has improved against lefties as well, going 17-for-63 (.270) against them with three of his 11 long balls.

15 hours ago

Bryan Reynolds • LF • Pirates

Bryan Reynolds Stays Red-Hot With Two Homers on Tuesday

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds can't be stopped right now at the plate. He stayed hot in Tuesday night's 6-5 win over the Athletics in Sacramento by going 4-for-5 with two home runs, three RBI, and three runs scored to boost his season average to .280 and his OPS to .870 on the year. After falling behind 4-0 early in the contest, Reynolds single-handedly brought the Bucs back. The 31-year-old veteran switch-hitter is heating up with the weather and is now slashing .280/.400/.470 with 10 home runs, 45 RBI, 49 runs scored, and five stolen bases for Pittsburgh in 74 games played across 320 plate appearances in his eighth year in the big leagues. The two-time All-Star has reached base safely in 23 straight games now and has gone 30-for-83 (.361) with six long balls, eight doubles, 13 RBI, 19 runs scored, and two stolen bases during that stretch in 23 games played. Reynolds is as hot as they come right now and should be started in all leagues.

Yesterday

Nick Gonzales • 3B • Pirates

Nick Gonzales Emerging as Sneaky Multi-Position Waiver Target

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales is making a case for more fantasy attention in deeper leagues. Through his first 67 games, the 27-year-old is hitting .296 with two home runs, 31 RBI, 38 runs, four stolen bases, and a .711 OPS. Gonzales has also remained useful lately, batting .300 with two homers, nine RBI, 14 runs, and one steal over his last 15 games. The power ceiling is limited, and Gonzales has cooled off over his last seven games, so he is not a must-add in shallow formats. However, his batting average, steady run production, and multi-position eligibility give him solid fantasy value in deeper 12-team leagues. Available in nearly three-quarters of Yahoo leagues, Gonzales is a strong target for fantasy managers in deeper formats who need infield depth and a boost in batting average.

2 days ago

Spencer Horwitz • 1B • Pirates

Spencer Horwitz Emerging as a Must-Add First Baseman on the Waiver Wire

Across 264 plate appearances in 2026, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz is hitting .281/.383/.452 with nine home runs, 31 RBI, 29 runs scored, and one stolen base. The 28-year-old has demonstrated an elite plate approach so far this season, lowering his strikeout rate to a career-low 14.0% while maintaining a 13.3% walk rate. Horwitz has also emerged as the leadoff hitter in the Pirates' lineup on a near-everyday basis, which should allow him to continue racking up counting stats. The lefty-swinger's 8.0% barrel rate and 33.5% hard-hit rate are underwhelming and do not point to high-end power upside. Still, Horwitz's balanced approach at the plate and his ability to hit both right and left-handed pitching make him an appealing waiver wire target for fantasy managers.

2 days ago

Gregory Soto • RP • Pirates

Gregory Soto Remains Priority Target for Saves on the Waiver Wire

Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto remains a priority waiver-wire target for fantasy managers chasing saves. Soto has emerged as the favorite for ninth-inning work in Pittsburgh and enters Monday with 10 saves, a 3.26 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over 30 1/3 innings. He has converted three saves in June, including Saturday, June 13's 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins. However, Soto has begun to struggle, allowing five earned runs over 2 2/3 innings this month, including a blown save against the Houston Astros on June 3. Mason Montgomery and Dennis Santana still give Pittsburgh other late-inning options, but Soto has the clearest path to saves given his typical usage. With a 47% Yahoo roster rate, he should be added in most formats where saves are a need, despite his inconsistent start to the month.

3 days ago

Jared Jones • SP • Pirates |

Jared Jones • 1B • Pirates

Jared Jones Should be Rostered in More Fantasy Baseball Leagues

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones got a late start to the 2026 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery that knocked him out for the entire 2025 campaign. The 24-year-old former second-round pick in 2020 made his season debut on May 29 and was a bit rusty, allowing five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) in 4 1/3 innings, but he also had six strikeouts against the Minnesota Twins. Jones has made only three starts so far and has yet to get into the sixth inning, posting a 4.73 ERA (4.08 FIP) and 1.42 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and five walks in 13 1/3 innings pitched. He is still getting stretched out in his return from elbow reconstruction, but the good news is that his control has been solid. In his rookie season for the Bucs in 2024, Jones impressed with a 4.14 ERA (4.00 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 132:39 K:BB in 121 2/3 innings over 22 starts. Fantasy managers are going to need to be patient here, but the upside is absolutely worth taking a flier on for starting rotation depth for the second half of the season. Jones is widely available on the waiver wire, too, as he's rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.

3 days ago

Paul Skenes • SP • Pirates

Paul Skenes Fans 10 on Sunday in Loss to Marlins

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes was mowing hitters down in Sunday's series finale at PNC Park against the visiting Miami Marlins, but he still managed to take his sixth loss of the season in a 4-2 defeat. Skenes allowed only two earned runs on four hits (two home runs) while walking one and striking out 10 in six innings of work. The 24-year-old was hurt by two solo home runs by the Fish, but all in all, it was a pretty dominant showing, as the former first overall pick out of LSU generated 23 swings and misses. The 24-year-old National League Cy Young winner and former NL Rookie of the Year has now reached double-digit strikeouts in three of his 15 starts in 2026, and Sunday's outing was also his seventh quality start. Skenes is now sporting a 2.85 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 99:16 K:BB in 82 innings over 15 starts as he stays in the running for his second straight NL Cy Young. Although his next scheduled start at hitter-friendly Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies isn't ideal, he should be started in all traditional fantasy leagues. In his first outing against the Rockies at home on May 12, Skenes dominated with eight shutout innings, only two hits allowed, no walks, and 10 strikeouts.

4 days ago

Konnor Griffin • SS • Pirates

Konnor Griffin Will Continue Rehab in Florida During Pirates' Upcoming Road Trip

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (elbow/forearm) is headed to the team's complex in Florida to continue his rehab during the team's upcoming west coast road trip, per Aiden Stepansky of MLB.com. Griffin has been on the 10-day injured list since late May due to a flexor strain in his throwing arm. While Griffin looks to be making some progress, he does not appear to be on the verge of a return to the Pirates lineup just yet. The 20-year-old got off to a solid start to his first season in Pittsburgh before the injury, hitting .270/.327/.402 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. Given his importance to the Pirates' long-term outlook, the team could choose to be extra cautious with his recovery. In Griffin's absence, Jared Triolo has taken over as Pittsburgh's everyday shortstop.

4 days ago

Oneil Cruz • CF • Pirates

Oneil Cruz Likely to Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hand Fracture

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said that the "rough timetable" for outfielder Oneil Cruz's (hand) return is four to six weeks, per Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now. Cruz was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier this week due to non-displaced fourth and fifth metacarpal fractures in his left hand. It's an unfortunate setback for the 27-year-old, who was in the midst of a stellar season. Across 283 plate appearances before the injury, Cruz hit .264/.350/.472 with 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases. Cruz's 34.6% strikeout rate is less than ideal, but his elite barrel (16.4%) and hard-hit (59.2%) rates allow him to be productive even through the swing-and-miss. Even with Cruz likely to be sidelined until mid-to-late July, fantasy managers should find a way to stash him in an IL or bench spot. Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum has taken over as the team's starting center fielder in Cruz's absence.

4 days ago

Sean Sullivan • RP • Pirates |

Sean Sullivan • SP • Rockies

Rockies Promote Sean Sullivan, Worth an Add Ahead of Debut?

Colorado Rockies pitching prospect Sean Sullivan is set to make his MLB debut on Friday night as his team's starter against the Athletics, per Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette. The 23-year-old has largely struggled with Triple-A Albuquerque so far this season, recording a 5-3 record with a 5.60 ERA, 1.55 ERA, and 50 strikeouts across 54 2/3 innings (11 starts). However, he's been victimized by an abnormally high 14.7% HR/fly ball rate while pitching in the extremely hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Sullivan was much more productive across 97 1/3 innings (18 starts) with Double-A Hartford in 2025, logging a 3.14 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 24.2% strikeout rate. Sullivan will pitch in a hitter-friendly environment in Colorado, which lowers his fantasy appeal. Still, the young left-hander could be worth adding off the waiver wire in deeper league formats.

6 days ago

Antwone Kelly • RP • Pirates

Pirates Promoting No. 7-Ranked Prospect Antwone Kelly to the Majors

The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Antwone Kelly to the big leagues on Friday, sources told Francys Romero. The 22-year-old was born in Aruba and represented the Netherlands in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In 54 innings this year with Triple-A Indianapolis, he has struck out 47 batters, and his fastball has reached 101 mph. Per MLB Pipeline, Kelly is considered the team's No. 7 prospect. The 5-foot-10, 238-pounder went 3-4 for Indy with a 4.50 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 47:24 K:BB in 54 innings over his 13 appearances (10 starts) on the farm before earning his first MLB call-up. With an electric right arm, there is obvious strikeout upside with Kelly, but he's initially expected to work out of Pittsburgh's bullpen, so fantasy managers shouldn't be looking to spend a grip on him off the waiver wire. Although Kelly throws plenty of strikes, he could be featured in a bullpen role long term, depending on whether he can develop his slider into a true putaway pitch.

6 days ago

Esmerlyn Valdez • RF • Pirates

Pirates Recall Esmerlyn Valdez, Worth a Pickup Following Triple-A Power Surge?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled outfield prospect Esmerlyn Valdez, according to MLB Pipeline. Valdez is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Pirates system and has hit three home runs in his last four games at Triple-A. The 22-year-old got a brief run with Pittsburgh in early May and hit two home runs in five games, but he also struck out nine times in 18 plate appearances. Valdez has showcased big-time power upside during his time in Triple-A this season, hitting .255/.388/.526 with 13 home runs, 38 RBI, and 33 runs scored across 237 plate appearances. He's kept his minor league strikeout rate to a manageable 21.5% in 2026, but he's struggled with swing-and-miss in the past. Fantasy managers should not expect Valdez to help them with batting average or speed, but his power potential could still make him an appealing waiver wire target.

7 days ago

Gregory Soto • RP • Pirates

Gregory Soto Struggles Again, is he in Danger of Being on the Hot Seat?

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto got the job done on Wednesday to earn his ninth save, but it wasn't a clean and neat outing. He only needed eight pitches, all strikes, to get through the inning, but he gave up two hits, including a two-run blast by Shohei Ohtani. The 31-year-old lefty is 4-1 in his 30 games this season with a 3.38 ERA and 3.10 FIP, and he has racked up 34 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings. While he has been effective overall, he has given up five runs in his last two appearances, so he'll need to get things turned around if he wants to maintain his role as the team's top closer. If he continues to struggle, Dennis Santana and Evan Sisk could be more in the mix for saves for the Pirates.

7 days ago

Konnor Griffin • SS • Pirates

Konnor Griffin Progresses to Throwing from 90 Feet on Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (elbow) made throws from as far as 90 feet on Wednesday and "felt fine," per DK Pittsburgh Sports. The young shortstop has been on the 10-day injured list since late May due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Across 208 plate appearances before the injury, Griffin hit .270/.327/.402 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. While it's a positive sign that the 20-year-old has resumed throwing, it appears he will need a bit more time before he's ready to return to the Pirates lineup. Upon his return, Griffin profiles as a high-upside bat with five-category production potential for fantasy managers. In his absence, Pirates infielder Jared Triolo has received the majority of the team's playing time at shortstop.

Jun 10

Oneil Cruz • CF • Pirates

Pirates Place Oneil Cruz on Injured List With Hand Fracture

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Wednesday that they placed outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 8) with left-hand fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures and recalled outfielder Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. Cruz initially injured his left hand while sliding in Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves, and he's expected to be out for a month, which means he probably won't return until after the All-Star break in mid-July. Jake Mangum made another start in center field for the Pirates on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he figures to become a lineup regular going forward, at least against right-handed pitchers. The 27-year-old Cruz should not be dropped in any traditional fantasy formats while he's sidelined. He has one of the quickest bats in baseball and makes some of the loudest contact when he connects, not to mention his high-end speed on the basepaths. Through 64 games in 2026 in his sixth year in the big leagues, Cruz is slashing .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 homers, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, 45 runs scored, and a league-leading 98 strikeouts in 283 plate appearances.

Jun 10

Konnor Griffin • SS • Pirates

Konnor Griffin to Resume Throwing on Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (elbow) said the plan is for him to start throwing again on Wednesday, according to Pirates reporter Jason Mackey. Griffin is currently on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, with no timetable for a return, but it's good news that he's already been cleared to resume throwing the baseball. The 20-year-old phenom isn't going to be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible, and he could be out for an extended period of time. Until Griffin can return from his elbow injury, Jared Triolo should be the Pirates' primary option at shortstop. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 didn't make the Pirates' Opening Day roster, but it wasn't long before he was called up to make his major-league debut in 2026. Griffin hasn't posted eye-popping numbers, but he has more than held his own in his first 51 big-league games, slashing .270/.327/.402 with a .729 OPS, four home runs, nine doubles, two triples, 22 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 30 runs scored across 208 plate appearances. Despite a potential lengthy absence, Griffin remains rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 9

Oneil Cruz • CF • Pirates

Oneil Cruz Still Dealing With Hand Injury

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) was initially slated to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park, but he was scratched from the lineup and missed his second straight game with a cut on his hand that he suffered on Saturday, according to the team. Jake Mangum got the start in center field on Tuesday and was hitting seventh in the batting order against Dodgers left-hander Eric Lauer. The 27-year-old Cruz's injury isn't considered serious, so he could be back in action as soon as Wednesday against L.A. Cruz hits the ball as hard as anyone in the big leagues when he makes contact, making him a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active. The Dominican outfielder currently leads the league with 98 strikeouts in 283 plate appearances this year, but he's a multi-category contributor and is slashing .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored in 64 games. Cruz is well on pace to set a new career high in home runs in his sixth year in the majors.

Jun 9

Rafael Flores Jr. • C • Pirates

Pirates Adding Catching Prospect Rafael Flores Jr. to Taxi Squad

The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed catcher/first base prospect Rafael Flores Jr. on their taxi squad on Tuesday, according to Pirates reporter Alex Stumpf. Flores, 25, made his major-league debut in 2025 with the Bucs, but he only appeared in seven games and went 3-for-15 with two doubles, two walks, and seven strikeouts. He could be on the verge of a return to the big leagues despite hitting just .207 (39-for-188) with four home runs, 27 RBI, 21 runs scored, 29 walks, and 62 strikeouts in 53 games and 219 plate appearances for Triple-A Indianapolis this year. Per MLB Pipeline, the 6-foot-3, 232-pounder is the Pirates' eighth-ranked prospect. Flores has some intriguing power potential, especially with eligibility as a catcher, but he also swings and misses quite often, and he really struggled back in spring training at the plate. He's a work in progress behind the dish, but he has the potential to stick at the position long term, despite his size. If he rejoins the Pirates in the near future, he's likely to operate in a bench role.

Jun 9

Oneil Cruz • CF • Pirates

Oneil Cruz Day-to-Day With Hand Injury

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) cut his hand while sliding into home plate on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves and was out of the starting lineup for the series finale on Sunday as a result, according to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. Cruz is considered day-to-day and is unlikely to land on the 10-day injured list. The Pirates had a scheduled day off on Monday, so hopefully, he'll be feeling good enough to return to the starting nine for Tuesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. When healthy, the Dominican outfielder is a must-start in all fantasy baseball formats because of his ability to contribute across all categories. Cruz currently ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 79th percentile in xwOBA, and the 100th percentile in maximum exit velocity. He's currently slashing .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored in 64 games across 283 plate appearances. Cruz leads the league with 98 strikeouts, but he scorches the ball more often than not when he makes contact.

Jun 8

Khristian Curtis • SP • Pirates

Khristian Curtis Earns the Call to Triple-A, Will he Debut in 2026?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Khristian Curtis to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on Monday, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. Curtis, a 12th-round selection back in 2023 out of Arizona State University, earned the promotion to the top level in the minors despite going 0-7 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 67:25 K:BB in 53 1/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts for Double-A Altoona this year. The 24-year-old is the club's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Despite his near-5.00 ERA and winless showing at Altoona, Curtis is one of Pittsburgh's top pitching prospects and could realistically make a push for a spot on the major-league roster at some point next year. He has good size at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, and some of the best stuff among all of the Bucs' pitching prospects. Curtis gets plenty of swings and misses with his fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup. Control has been an issue for him on the farm, but stuff-wise, Curtis should be on the stash radar of fantasy managers in deeper keeper leagues going into the second half of the 2026 season.

Jun 8

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