The Pittsburgh Pirates are arguably the most improved team in baseball this year, both at the Major League and Minor League levels.
At the MLB level, the Pirates have the second-best FanGraphs playoff odds in the NL Central after finishing last in their division last year. They appear poised for a big leap, especially at the plate, that could result in their first playoff appearance since 2015.
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Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s farm system is thriving. MLB Pipeline released its 2026 preseason farm system rankings on Thursday, and the Pirates ranked third. That’s up from ninth in the 2025 midseason rankings, 14th in the 2025 preseason rankings and 20th in the 2024 midseason rankings.
In other words, Pittsburgh’s gone from a below-average farm system to one of the best in baseball in just a year and a half. That’s not too surprising, however, as player development has always been Ben Cherington’s biggest strength dating back to his time with the Boston Red Sox.
Not only do the Pirates have MLB’s consensus No. 1 prospect in Konnor Griffin, but they also boast two of the sport’s top pitching prospects in Bubba Chandler and Seth Hernandez, both of whom rank inside MLB Pipeline’s top 30.
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“Sure, Konnor Griffin is generating all sorts of buzz, and for good reason, but there’s a lot more here than just the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball,” MLB Pipeline writes. “For starters, the Pirates also boast the best pitching prospect duo in Bubba Chandler and Seth Hernandez. Beyond the five in the Top 100 — three of whom could help the Pirates turn things around in the big leagues this year — talent is amassing at every level and at pretty much every position.”
At this rate, Pittsburgh could emerge as one of the top teams in baseball over the next few years and perhaps make a run at its first World Series title since 1979.
More Pirates: Pirates Optimistic About Overhauled Lineup’s Potential In 2026
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