There's a different feeling arond Pittsburgh Pirates spring training in 2026. Fans and members of the team alike are exhibiting a level of optimism that doesn't often accompany Pirates baseball, at least not in recent years.
The Pirates made a concerted effort to assemble a more competitive team this season. That appears to have come to fruition, as the team's primary additions to the big league club—Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, Marcell Ozuna, and Gregory Soto—have combined for eight career All-Star appearances, with the former two each making the AL All-Star squad just last season.
This is easily the best roster the Pirates have brought to Bradenton in the Ben Cherington era, and with more established players in the fold, there isn't as much competition for spots to round out the roster as there usually is.