Jason Mackey

Pirates Insider: Important growth shown by bullpen, catchers in 2026 Share

A few swings into Spring Training, Wyatt Sanford sensed something was different. When the Pirates drafted Sanford in the second round in 2024, they liked his speed and defense, viewing his left-handed swing as more contact over power ... but also believing that could change over time. Sanford, 20, did

When Brady Peck walked toward Mervis Hall on Pitt’s campus Tuesday afternoon, he was taken aback by the hundreds of people gathered near the Forbes Field wall listening to a baseball game. A junior from Glen Rock, N.J., Peck asked around and quickly learned about the Pittsburgh tradition, where Pirates

When the Pirates acquired Brandon Lowe last December, they knew they were getting left-handed power that would play at PNC Park, plus veteran leadership that had been lacking among position players. Similar to Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery and how they’ve established themselves in Pittsburgh, Lowe’s defensive turnaround made the

The Pirates opened their annual Minor League awards week Tuesday by announcing the organization's Rookie-Level Pitcher and Player of the Year, along with its Staff Member of the Year. Irwin Ramirez was the first recipient after the 6-foot-3 right-hander went 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA, 23 strikeouts and a .157

The second day of Pirates Minor League awards featured the recognition of a big-time slugger, plus their top reliever, baserunner and defender. More on Murf Gray in a moment. He was an obvious choice for Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year and seemingly has a strong shot at winning Honus

There was plenty of dominance this season. Excitement, too. But when it came to suspense, yeah, Seth Hernandez and Murf Gray were pretty obvious choices here. Young Bucs week concluded Thursday with the Pirates announcing Hernandez as their Bob Friend Pitcher of the Year and Gray as the Honus Wagner

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Whenever Derek Curiel has stepped on a baseball field, whether it was Orange Lutheran High School in Southern California or collegiately at LSU, he’s done so with a familiar mindset. The Pirates’ 2026 first-round pick grew up loving the gritty approach employed by Pete Rose — the

BRADENTON, Fla. -- While the Pirates’ ongoing Forge High Performance Camp has been geared toward 30 or so Minor League players, equipping them with various development tools, there have been a few MLB sightings around Pirate City. Endy Rodríguez has been here rehabbing the torn labrum in his left hip.

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Standing near the entrance to Pirate City, where his 2026 journey began nearly nine months ago, Levi Sterling couldn’t help but smile when he considered all that has occurred. Sterling developed a lot. In a short amount of time, too. As one of the youngest players in