Who has been the most surprising Pirate so far? - RAW CHILI

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 57 games into the 2026 season and they have been a pleasant surprise so far. If the season ended today they wouldn’t make the playoffs but they are only 2 games out of the NL wild card spot. The team has been a surprise but who on the team has been the biggest surprise so far ?

I think Brandon Lowe has been the most pleasant surprise on the team so far. The Pirates acquired him in a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros. His deal this season is a one year deal worth $11.5 millio.n

When the Bucs made the deal in the offseason, it was an upgrade at the second base position, but I don’t think anyone expected him to bring this much power. Through his first 50-plus games, Lowe has a batting average of .265 and an OPS over .900.

Lowe leads the team in home runs with 14. The Pirates were ranked dead last in home runs last year with only 117. His power has greatly improved the offense, which already has 61 homers on the season. The 31 year old also ranks 11th in the Majors in home runs .

Lowe also leads the team in RBIs with 36. The 36 RBIs is enough for 16th in the Majors. Lowe has been strong with people in scoring positions and has been the main power source for the offense.

Lowe’s power is what is most surprising about him because of his time in Tampa Bay he has never been known for being a power guy. He did have that massive year in 2021 where he hit 39 home runs and 99 RBIs. This year in Pittsburgh feels like that year, and he has been a big reason why the Pirates are above .500 right now.

Oneil Cruz has also been a surprise because of the rough year he had last year, he has been putting up big time numbers with a dangerous speed to power combo. Spencer Horwitz has been hot of late and he has been a nice surprise as well with 6 home runs and 25 RBIs.

A big pitcher surprise has been Braxton Ashcraft who has the best ERA on the team with 2.75. With Skenes struggling of late, Ashcraft’s performance has been huge for what is already a deep starting rotation.

Comment below who you guys think has been the most pleasant surprise on the team so far.