What is the Pittsburgh Pirates' current record in 2026?

As of April 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Pirates hold a 14-11 record.

How does the 2026 Pirates team compare to the 2023 team?

The 2026 Pirates have a better early-season record and are showing more resilience, unlike the 2023 team that experienced a significant mid-season collapse.

What new traditions do the 2026 Pirates have?

The 2026 Pirates have introduced new team traditions such as hoisting traffic cones, wearing a welder's mask, and giving out hard hats.

Home / Sports / Pirates' Hot Start: Can They Avoid 2023's Collapse?

Pirates' Hot Start: Can They Avoid 2023's Collapse?

25 Apr

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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.

Pirates' Hot Start: Can They Avoid 2023's Collapse?

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.