Pittsburgh Pirates news
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The gist
The Pirates sit 5.5 games back of the final NL wild card with 17 games left.
Their playoff odds are 0.9%, so a historic late run is the only path.
Background
The Pirates have won four straight series for the first time this season, including a 9-3 win over the White Sox on Tuesday, to reach 72-73. Their bullpen has the best WAR in baseball (2.2) since the trade deadline, when they added four relief pitchers. But the offense has scored the third-fewest runs since the All-Star break, and they trail the Diamondbacks by 5.5 games for the last NL wild card spot.
How it unfolded
- Aug 21, 2026 -23, 2026The Pirates were swept in three games by the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
- Sep 6, 2026The Pirates defeated the Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park, completing a 4-2 homestand against the Giants and Angels.
- Sep 8, 2026The Pirates were off on Labor Day and lost a half-game in the standings as the Diamondbacks beat the Royals in extra innings.
- Sep 9, 2026The Pirates beat the White Sox 9-3 behind a five-run first inning, improving to 72-73 and within a game of .500.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Pittsburgh's playoff chances are at a miniscule 0.9%, according to Fangraphs, and they need Arizona and San Diego to start sliding.
- Support
- Until those odds are at 0%, Pittsburgh won't stop believing in its chances, and the team has won four straight series.
- Caution
- The Pirates' lineup has scored the third-fewest runs since the All-Star break, and a massive last-season surge is needed for the offense to wake up.
Still unverified
The Pirates' playoff odds and chances are projections from Fangraphs and may not reflect actual outcomes. The exact status of Konnor Griffin and Ryan O'Hearn's return from the injured list is not fully confirmed.