Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates

March 20, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates Headlines

Paul Skenes has officially been named the Pirates’ Opening Day starter, a decision that was as expected as the sun rising in the east. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, who finished last season with a slick 1.97 ERA, will take the mound against the Mets, and it’s about time he gets to show off that talent on a big stage. However, the Pirates are still wrestling with their roster depth after a perplexing decision to option Endy Rodríguez, raising eyebrows over the handling of their catching situation. Meanwhile, Rafael Flores Jr. is struggling in camp, making fans question the David Bednar trade as the team pivots toward a more competitive stance. With only a handful of spring games left, the pressure is on to finalize a roster that can deliver on the promise of a bright season.

Sources

Spring Training Game #27: Pirates vs. Orioles

Spring Training Game #27: Pirates vs. Orioles

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Baltimore Orioles, March 19, 2026, 6:05 p.m. ET Location: Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota, FL How to Listen: KDKA-FM 93.7 The Pittsburgh Pirates are back on the field against the Baltimore Orioles looking to grab a win in Spring Training. Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines. BD community, this is your thread […]

Paul Skenes named Pirates 2026 Opening Day starter

Paul Skenes named Pirates 2026 Opening Day starter

As if there was any doubt, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner will start the first game of the year. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Thursday that Paul Skenes will get the ball in New York to start Opening Day against the Mets. “Duh,” the Pirates tweeted. Skenes tallied 1.97 ERA and struck […]

Did you expect someone else? Skenes to get Opening Day nod

Did you expect someone else? Skenes to get Opening Day nod

SARASOTA, Fla. — Paul Skenes returned from the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday. A day later, Pirates manager Don Kelly informed the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner what pretty much everyone has expected: Yes, Skenes will start on Opening Day.

Regardless of role, Clevinger, Barco have given Pirates plenty to consider

Regardless of role, Clevinger, Barco have given Pirates plenty to consider

SARASOTA, Fla. -- With just four Spring Training games remaining after Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium, the Pirates have plenty of work to do in a short period of time. Their lineup is mostly set. There's some intrigue with infield depth. But when looking specifically

Pirates' confusing catching choice was probably a lock before spring training

Pirates' confusing catching choice was probably a lock before spring training

The Pirates' decision to option Endy Rodríguez feels less like a reaction to spring training—and more like a plan that was quietly locked in long before anyone reported to Bradenton.

David Bednar trade fallout gets uglier as catching prospect struggles at Pirates camp

David Bednar trade fallout gets uglier as catching prospect struggles at Pirates camp

The Pittsburgh Pirates have pivoted towards contention, and with Rafael Flores Jr. struggling in spring training, one has to wonder if they've lost the David Bednar trade.