The 2025 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates standings holds immense promise and intrigue. After years of rebuilding, the Pirates are finally positioned to move toward a more competitive future. With some of the most exciting prospects in baseball, a revamped pitching staff, and a young, but solid core of players, Pittsburgh might finally be able to break through and make a serious playoff push.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, a storied franchise with a rich history, have been stuck in a period of rebuilding for several years. As we head into the 2025 season, the team seems to be on the cusp of returning to competitiveness. While they have had their struggles in recent years, signs of progress are visible. With a mix of promising prospects and savvy moves in the offseason, Pittsburgh’s future looks brighter than it has in a long time.
A Brief Look at the Pirates’ 2024 Season
In 2024, the Pittsburgh Pirates finished with a respectable 76-86 record. While they didn’t make the playoffs, they showed improvement over the previous season and managed to build a solid foundation for the years ahead. The team’s young stars, including Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Pirates’ pitching staff was one of the areas that still required substantial improvement. The team’s offensive production was another area of inconsistency, with key hitters showing promise but struggling to maintain consistency over the long haul.
While the Pirates didn’t make significant playoff noise, the 2024 season was seen as a step in the right direction for the team.
Key Offseason Moves
Every season brings a new opportunity, and in 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made several key moves to improve their chances.
Acquisitions and Trades
One of the major offseason moves was the signing of veteran left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney to a one-year, $5 million contract. Heaney, who had a successful stint with the Texas Rangers in 2024, brings much-needed experience and stability to the Pirates’ starting rotation. His ability to generate swings and misses and his solid track record of limiting home runs makes him an excellent addition to the staff.
In addition to Heaney, the Pirates made a few key trades, focusing on adding depth to their pitching staff and improving their overall team defense. They traded for outfielder Jake McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will add speed and versatility to their outfield.
Free Agency Signings
The Pirates were strategic in their free-agent signings, primarily focusing on affordable yet impactful players. They also secured some depth pieces for their bullpen and infield, bringing in players with both upside and the ability to contribute immediately.
Analyzing the Pirates’ Roster
The Pirates’ roster in 2025 is a blend of emerging stars, solid veterans, and potential breakout players. The success of the team in 2025 will depend on how these players perform and whether the team can overcome some of its previous weaknesses.
Starting Rotation
The pitching rotation is arguably the most important aspect of the Pirates’ future success. With the addition of Andrew Heaney and the continued development of rising star Paul Skenes, the Pirates now have the makings of a competitive rotation.
Heaney joins a rotation that also includes Mitch Keller, the Pirates’ ace, who is coming off his best season to date. Keller has developed into one of the best pitchers in the NL Central, and his consistency is key to Pittsburgh’s success. Alongside Keller and Heaney, the Pirates are counting on young pitchers such as Johan Oviedo and Luis Ortiz to continue their development and provide reliable innings.
Bullpen Strengths
The bullpen for the Pirates in 2025 looks improved from previous years. David Bednar, the Pirates’ closer, is one of the most dominant pitchers in high-leverage situations, and he’ll be supported by a mix of reliable arms like Colin Holderman and Jarlin García. The depth of the bullpen will be critical for the Pirates as they look to lock down games and maintain a competitive edge.
Position Players
Pittsburgh’s offensive core is led by players like Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, and Keyber Ruiz. Reynolds, who has been the face of the franchise for the past few seasons, is an elite hitter and will be expected to lead the team in several categories. Oneil Cruz, the Pirates’ dynamic shortstop, is one of the most exciting young players in baseball and has the potential to break out in 2025. His combination of power, speed, and defensive ability makes him a player to watch closely.
Player Breakdowns: Key Performers
Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes is one of the most exciting young pitchers in all of baseball. After an outstanding 2024 season, Skenes has become the future of the Pirates’ pitching staff. His 100 mph fastball and devastating changeup make him a top-of-the-rotation arm, and with further development, he could become one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. 2025 will be a pivotal year for Skenes as he looks to establish himself as the ace of the staff.
Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz’s combination of power and speed makes him a unique player. In 2024, Cruz showed that he can be a 20/20 player, and in 2025, there are high expectations for him to hit at least 30 home runs and steal 30 bases. His defense at shortstop is another key area where he can make a significant impact. If Cruz continues to develop at the plate and in the field, he has the potential to be one of the most exciting players in the league.
Bryan Reynolds
Bryan Reynolds has consistently been one of the best all-around players for the Pirates. A reliable hitter and solid outfielder, Reynolds is the team’s offensive leader. With the added support around him in 2025, Reynolds could put up some of the best numbers of his career. His ability to get on base, hit for power, and play strong defense makes him a key player for the Pirates as they try to return to the postseason.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Farm System: The Future is Bright
The future of the Pittsburgh Pirates isn’t just in their major league roster—it’s also in their farm system. The Pirates have a wealth of young talent coming through the ranks, and many of these prospects could make a significant impact in the next few seasons.
Top Prospects to Watch
Endy Rodríguez: A versatile catcher who can hit for power and average, Rodríguez is one of the top prospects for the Pirates. His development could be a game-changer for the team.
Jase Bowen: Bowen is a speedy outfielder with power potential. He’s an intriguing prospect that could add an extra dimension to the Pirates’ lineup.
Quinn Priester: Priester is a promising pitcher who has the potential to become a fixture in the Pirates’ rotation in the coming years.
The growth of these young players will be crucial as the Pirates look to build a sustainable contender for the future.
Spring Training 2025: Early Impressions
As the 2025 spring training kicks off, the Pirates are looking to build momentum heading into the regular season. So far, there have been several notable performances, including standout pitching from Paul Skenes, who is showing he’s ready for the next step in his development. Oneil Cruz has been working on his swing, and there’s optimism that he’ll be even better in 2025.
Fan Sentiment and Predictions
Pirates fans are cautiously optimistic about the 2025 season. Many fans believe the team is on the right path, but there’s still concern about whether the Pirates can consistently perform at a high level. Some predict that a .500 season is within reach, while others are hopeful that the team can make a playoff push if everything falls into place.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season represents a significant opportunity for the Pittsburgh Pirates to prove they are no longer in the midst of a rebuild. With a mix of young stars, savvy veteran signings, and an improved pitching staff, the Pirates are ready to make their mark. It might not be a championship season just yet, but there’s plenty of reason to be excited for the future.
FAQs
What changes did the Pittsburgh Pirates make in the offseason for 2025?
In the offseason leading up to 2025, the Pirates made several moves to strengthen their roster. Notably, they signed veteran pitcher Andrew Heaney to bolster their starting rotation and acquired outfielder Jake McCarthy in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks to add depth to their outfield. These moves were aimed at improving pitching and increasing the overall team depth to make a push for the playoffs in 2025.
Will the Pittsburgh Pirates make the playoffs in 2025?
While the Pittsburgh Pirates are not considered favorites to win the NL Central, they have a strong chance at contending for a Wild Card spot in 2025. The team’s improved pitching staff and the continued development of young stars like Cruz and Reynolds give them a chance to compete. However, making the playoffs will depend on their ability to maintain consistency over the course of the season, particularly in their pitching and offensive production.
How does the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2025 pitching staff look?
The Pirates’ pitching staff for 2025 features a mix of solid veterans and promising young talent. Mitch Keller, who had a standout 2024, will lead the rotation, with Andrew Heaney providing experienced depth. Paul Skenes, one of the team’s most exciting prospects, is expected to take on a major role in the rotation. The bullpen is also bolstered by key arms such as David Bednar, who is one of the top closers in the league. If the pitching staff can stay healthy and produce at a high level, the Pirates will be a much more competitive team in 2025.
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