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Pirates' Bullpen Woes: A 2027 Playoff Hurdle?
15 Oct
Summary
- Pirates ended a five-year drought with a winning 82-80 season in 2026.
- The team's bullpen faced significant issues, ranking ninth in blown saves.
- Key offseason acquisitions and internal improvements aim to strengthen the bullpen for 2027.
The Pittsburgh Pirates concluded the 2026 season with an 82-80 record, marking their first winning season since 2018 and a significant 11-win improvement. While this performance signals progress, the team fell short of playoff contention. The primary challenge identified for the upcoming 2027 season is the necessity of a significantly improved bullpen, a crucial element observed in the current postseason.
Analysis of the 2026 season highlights the Pirates' bullpen struggles, evidenced by their ninth-highest total of 19 blown saves by the August trade deadline. This lack of reliability in relief pitching poses a direct threat to their postseason goals. Despite these issues, the Pirates have already made key offseason acquisitions, including Lake Bachar and Luke Weaver, who are expected to bolster the relief unit.
Furthermore, internal development offers promising solutions, with pitchers like Mason Montgomery emerging as a dominant closer and Yohan Ramírez providing reliable relief. The team also has high-leverage arms returning and potential bulk relievers in younger prospects, though their future roles may lean towards starting. General Manager Ben Cherington faces the critical task of further strengthening the bullpen through free agency or trades to complement the team's solid starting rotation and lineup, thereby maximizing their chances for October baseball in 2027.
