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Pirates' Hot Start: Can They Avoid 2023's Collapse?
25 Apr
Summary
- The Pirates hold a 14-11 record, two games back in the NL Central.
- Four players remain from the 2023 team that experienced a mid-season tailspin.
- The current Pirates team is 5-4 against teams with a winning record so far.
As of April 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Pirates are generating excitement with a strong 14-11 start, a performance that has them two games back in the NL Central. This early success contrasts sharply with their 2023 season, which began with the best record in the National League but devolved into a tailspin with a significant losing streak and a negative run differential.
This year's team, which has adopted new celebratory rituals like wearing welder's masks and awarding hard hats, is showing improved resilience. Manager Don Kelly, present during the 2023 collapse, emphasizes focusing on daily preparation rather than standings to ensure sustainable success and avoid past pitfalls. The team is also proving more battle-tested, holding a 5-4 record against teams above .500.
Only four players from the April 2023 roster remain, including key figures like Bryan Reynolds and Mitch Keller. The club has bolstered its offense with additions like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna, averaging 4.9 runs per game. Despite defensive improvements from prospects like Konnor Griffin, the team's ability to maintain this performance against division rivals will be crucial for their playoff hopes.
