The Pirates report to spring training fifteen days from now, and they seem ready to get at it. From young pitchers, to new bats, to veterans looking for bounce-back years, Bradenton will have plenty of intrigue as manager Donnie Kelly and GM Ben Cherington prepare for the season.
One of the more exciting storylines is the development of the pitching staff. Led by Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller, the Bucs also have powerful young arms Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, Carmen Mlodzinski, Mason Montgomery, and prospects Hunter Barco and Thomas Harrington.
Plus, there’s Jared Jones, returning after elbow surgery last May and feeling great. He’s impressed with the Pirates’ collection of arms.
Among the Pirates’ prized acquisitions this offseason are fresh bats Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Jake Mangum. And the Bucs are hoping for better production from Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz.
Speaking through his interpreter at PiratesFest over the weekend, centerfielder Oneal Cruz said he’s been working on rebounding from a bad year at the plate since the ’25 season ended.
Pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton on February 11th. The full squad is due to report on the 16th.
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