Key Offseason Changes
Brandon Lowe Acquired (3-Team Trade)
All-Star second baseman brings power (.256/.307/.477, 31 HRs in 2025). Biggest acquisition in years. Praise from Ken Rosenthal as "a cool move."
Ryan O'Hearn Signed (2-year, $29M)
First multi-year free agent deal since 2016. All-Star 1B/OF addresses worst offense in majors. $14M in 2026, $15M in 2027.
Jake Mangum Acquired from Rays
Versatile CF with elite speed. 27 stolen bases (91st percentile sprint speed). Defensive weapon with positional flexibility.
Gregory Soto Signed as Closer
Former All-Star reliever takes over ninth inning. Power lefty brings experience and strikeout upside.
Jhostynxon Garcia Acquired (Top 100 Prospect)
Young outfielder from Boston adds to farm depth. Plus tools, significant upside for future.
Johan Oviedo Traded to Houston
Starting pitcher dealt in three-team trade. Opened rotation spot for younger arms.
Projected Starting Lineup
| Order | Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CF | Jake Mangum | Elite speed, 27 SBs in 2025 |
| 2 | 2B | Brandon Lowe | All-Star power, 31 HRs last year |
| 3 | 3B | Oneil Cruz | Elite raw power, moved from SS |
| 4 | LF | Bryan Reynolds | Franchise cornerstone, All-Star caliber |
| 5 | DH | Ryan O'Hearn | $29M signing, power 1B/DH |
| 6 | C | Henry Davis | Former #1 pick, developing star |
| 7 | 1B | Spencer Horwitz | Patient hitter, on-base machine |
| 8 | SS | Nick Yorke | Young infielder, offensive upside |
| 9 | RF | Jack Suwinski | Power/defense combo, streaky bat |
Projected Starting Rotation
| Slot | Pitcher | Throws | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Skenes | RHP | 2024 NL ROY, generational talent |
| 2 | Jared Jones | RHP | Electric stuff, high-K upside |
| 3 | Mitch Keller | RHP | Veteran leader, innings eater |
| 4 | Bubba Chandler | RHP | Top prospect, two-way talent |
| 5 | Braxton Ashcraft | RHP | Young arm, competing for spot |
Bullpen & Closer Situation
Gregory Soto takes over as the closer after signing in free agency. The former All-Star brings power and experience to anchor a young bullpen. The Pirates have assembled high-upside arms in middle relief, though the group lacks established veterans behind Soto.
| Role | Pitcher | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CL | Gregory Soto | Former All-Star, power lefty |
| SU | Isaac Mattson | High-leverage setup role |
| SU | Kyle Nicolas | Power arm, strikeout stuff |
| MID | Mason Montgomery | Lefty specialist option |
| MID | Yohan Ramirez | Veteran depth arm |
| LR | Dennis Santana | Long relief, bulk innings |
Prop Betting Angles
The 2024 NL ROY has generational stuff. His K props should be aggressive targets in nearly every start. Look for 7+ K lines as reliable overs. His splinker and fastball combo devastates hitters. One of the safest strikeout bets in baseball.
After 31 HRs in 2025, Lowe's props will be set higher. But PNC Park plays fair, and the Pirates lineup protection improves with O'Hearn and Reynolds. HR props in favorable matchups vs. RHP offer value for this pull-happy lefty.
Cruz's raw power is elite (exit velos among league leaders). His move to 3B reduces defensive concerns. Season HR props may be conservative given strikeout issues, but the ceiling is 35-40 bombs. Target over on season totals if line is below 30.
With 27 SBs and elite speed (91st percentile), Mangum's nightly SB props are attractive. As a leadoff hitter, he'll have plenty of opportunities to run. Over 0.5 SB props in favorable catcher matchups are value plays.
The former #1 overall pick is ready to produce. His season-long props (HRs, RBIs) may be set conservatively. If he earns everyday catcher duties, over season totals become attractive for his plus bat.
Jones has electric stuff but walks too many. His over walks and over strikeouts can both hit in the same game. Target strikeout overs against free-swinging teams, but beware of walk-heavy lines vs. patient lineups.