If the ESPN\u2019s latest MLB watchability index rankings<\/a> are any indication, the rest of the league is keen to watch this take place. After a tough start in the first few games, the Pirates have rebounded and currently rank 13th in the rankings thanks to an infusion of young star power. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Pirates make a big leap from No. 26. Thank you, Konnor Griffin, who just made his MLB debut as a teenage position player, the first since Juan Soto in 2018,\u201d David Schoenfield writes for ESPN. \u201cBubba Chandler helps boost the young talent score alongside Griffin, giving the Pirates a dynamic rookie duo. The star power is entirely dependent on Paul Skenes who has had a curious lack of swing-and-miss stuff in his first two starts, as there isn’t really another player close to the top 100.\u201d<\/p>\n Good or Bad, These Pirates are Fun?<\/p>\n As Schoenfield notes, this Pirates ball club is intriguing. The jury is still out whether they are going to be a true playoff team, more than that or languishing away in the NL Central once again. It\u2019s all still up in the air for the Pirates. <\/p>\n But watching the journey is exciting in 2026, something that wasn\u2019t always the case for the Buccos. <\/p>\n Even the struggles are entertaining and come with some upside. Watching Chandler and Griffin <\/a>work through their rookie seasons is incredible. A future All-Star on the mound and in the field, the ups-and-downs of adjusting to the MLB level are worth the frustrations that inevitably pop up along the way. <\/p>\n Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Defensive Lapses That Catch the Eye<\/p>\n The defense hasn\u2019t been great for the Pirates. <\/p>\n The biggest culprit and focus is centerfielder Oneil Cruz, who has had a struggling start to the year in the outfield. <\/p>\n The tradeoff is that his work at the plate has been the opposite of his play in the field. He\u2019s crushed left-handed pitching and leads the team in home runs. He\u2019s shown a huge improvement at the dish, and if he can limit the unforced errors, he could be a serviceable defensive player. Until then, he\u2019s a liability that\u2019s fun as hell. <\/p>\n \u201cThen there’s Cruz,\u201d Schoenfield wrote. \u201cAlways entertaining but not always helping the Pirates win.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s the Pirates<\/a> in a nutshell right now. They are always entertaining, even if they aren\u2019t winning. <\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knmbq9yk495zv2s3pg.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
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