EXPECTATIONS: Can Oneil Cruz, Paul Skenes & the Pittsburgh Pirates FINALLY BREAK Through in 2026?
Pittsburgh Pirates enter 2026 with real expectations—no longer asking “what are they doing?” but “is it enough?” Gary Morgan breaks down why this is the most intriguing Pirates season in a decade, spotlighting the pivotal roles of Oneil Cruz, Paul Skenes, and emerging prospect Konnor Griffin. Can the Pirates’ youth-fueled ceiling finally offset their shaky floor and propel them to playoff contention?
Morgan forecasts breakout performers like Braxton Ashcraft, evaluates new additions Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe, and pinpoints the critical X-factors that could swing the season—especially health, innings coverage, and timely surprises from names like Nick Yorke or Jared Triolo. With playoff contention at stake and 85 wins as the new benchmark, the episode examines best- and worst-case scenarios, looming contract extensions, and the stakes should management fall short. Buckle up for a results-driven year in Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirates 2026 preview, Pittsburgh Pirates season preview, Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Henry Davis, Bubba Chandler, Spencer Horwitz, Nick Gonzales, Jared Triolo, Ryan O’Hearn, Isaac Mattson, Konnor Griffin, Braxton Ashcraft, Brandon Lowe, Enmanuel Valdez, Nick Yorke, Hunter Barco, MLB news, Pirates predictions, Pirates rumors, Locked On Pirates, Pirates roster, MLB The Show 26
21 comments
LETS GO BUCS!!!!💪
Good Morning✌ I'm excited for some baseball💯
90 wins 🎉 mark my words😁
⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾🏆
Mattson!!!
Unexpected bat….Triolo
Not predicting anything, but Tri needs to kick some * at the plate.
I hope your right about the 85 wins , I hve hopes , cheringtons failure at the left side of infield could hurt them unless Konnor comes thru
As a cock eyed optimist, I am predicting that the Pirates will win 88 games this season. Cruz, Reynolds, Davis, and Gonzalez need to shine. Go Bucs!
If you listened to Dejan Kovacevic of DK Sports you would think the Pirates are going to lose over a hundred games this season.
Cruz needs to figure out how not to dawg it more than he hustles
Don't we have real expectations for Cruz every year? Regardless of what he does we will be saying the same thing next year.
Gary your analytics are extraordinary. I like that you don't over hype players and predictions.
Gary, it has been FANTASTIC following this show since the beginning of the offseason. This has easily turned into my favorite podcast! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Look forward to continuing tuning in. Let’s go bucs!
I think Horwitz team MVP.
My money is on Billy Cook to have a solid season. I know he is a utility guy but he plays the game the right way. Solid defense and yes, a wild card at the plate. But he HAS proven he can hit major league pitching. Go Bucs!
witt was so bad fielding at short as a rookie, they had him at third base a third of the time.
Thanx Gary for the show. I watch daily. My prediction 84-78. You’ve got me excited for this season.
watched every episode since the off-season. thanks for all you do. gary im nervous about the season. let’s go bucs!
Yorke was injured some last year, but the year before he hit over 300 in mostly AAA. If he did get some pop and figures some things out he could definitely get 20+ HR if her earns / get some at bats. Not saying it’s gonna happen, but it’s something that could happen and it’s pretty low risk at the moment.
Im ready gary! Loved watching ya this winter. Have a good season