Franchise Milestones and Roster Shuffles
The Pittsburgh Pirates secured their 82nd victory of the season, a milestone that underscored a year defined by historic individual performances and significant organizational changes. As the regular season concluded, the front office moved quickly to reshape the roster for the upcoming campaign. The team reinstated right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates from the 15-day injured list while designating reliever Camilo Doval for assignment.
Doval’s departure marked the end of an era for a pitcher who had been expected to be non-tendered due to a salary exceeding $7 million in arbitration. Despite this, his performance remained potent; he posted a 0-1 record with a 3.79 earned run average, striking out 10.9 batters per nine innings while issuing 6.6 walks per game. The San Francisco Giants claimed Doval off waivers, reuniting him with the organization where he previously served as closer from 2021 through 2025. During his tenure in San Francisco, Doval recorded 107 saves and delivered an All-Star caliber season in 2023.
Further roster adjustments saw the Pirates call up left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk after his time with the Indianapolis Indians concluded, while optioning right-hander Khristian Curtis to the Florida Complex League Rookie club. Right-hander Wilber Dotel was also sent down to Florida and replaced by left-hander Hunter Barco. However, the minor league movement continued rapidly; Sisk was returned to the minors on Sunday, prompting the call-up of right-hander Noah Murdock.
Historic Statistical Achievements
The 2026 Pirates set multiple franchise and MLB records, particularly in strikeout categories. When Lake Bachar fanned Alec Burleson in the first inning of a Wednesday game, the team reached 1,444 strikeouts for the season, breaking the previous franchise record set in 2019. On an individual level, Paul Skenes became the first Pirates pitcher to record consecutive 200-plus strikeout seasons since Bob Veale accomplished the feat three times between 1964 and 1966.
The bullpen also etched its name in history. Relievers Yohan Ramírez, who made 66 appearances with 102 strikeouts, and Mason Montgomery, who recorded 70 appearances and 105 strikeouts, joined an exclusive group. They became only the fourth Pirates reliever since 1901 to achieve 65-plus outings and 100-plus strikeouts in a single year, joining Rich Gossage, Enrique Romo, and Joel Hanrahan.
Offensively, Oneil Cruz repeated as a member of the 20/30 club after swiping a base against the Tigers on Friday. This achievement made him only the second player in franchise history to record 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in consecutive years, joining Andy Van Slyke. Cruz trails only Barry Bonds, who achieved the 20/30 milestone three times from 1990 to 1992.
Bryan Reynolds also reached significant milestones, becoming the first Bucco to record a 40-double season since Nate McLouth in 2008. He is the first switch-hitter to do so since Bobby Bonilla in 1991 and the first Pirate to appear in all 162 games since Jason Bay in 2005.
Season Finale and Local Honors
The regular season ended on a somber note for Cruz, who left Saturday’s game after banging his knee on outfield turf in Detroit. The Bucs diagnosed a contusion and sat him for Sunday to end his season. In the final game, Jared Jones pitched seven frames with no runs, one hit, no walks, and nine strikeouts before leaving with a 2-0 lead. However, the Pirates lost the bullpen game 5-1 after Brandon Lowe’s early home run was not supported by the rest of the offense.
Despite the loss, the local BBWAA chapter recognized the team's top performers. Brandon Lowe was selected as the Roberto Clemente Award winner for team MVP, Braxton Ashcraft received the Steve Blass Award for Team Cy Young, and Jake Mangum was honored with the Chuck Tanner Award for Media Good Guy.
Looking ahead, Pirates President of Baseball Operations Ben Cherington expressed confidence in the organization's direction. With his first full year complete, Cherington noted that discussions with owner Bob Nutting have focused on moves for 2027 and gave a strong vote of confidence to Don Kelly. Will Leitch of MLB.com also picked the Pirates as one of six teams that could make noise next year.
Minor League Standouts
The organization’s depth was highlighted by several minor league accolades. Baseball America named third baseman Murf Gray the Pirates 2026 Minor League Player of Year. The 22-year-old slashed .305 with 32 home runs, 97 RBI, and 100 runs across Bradenton, Greensboro, and Altoona.
In the Indianapolis Indians, first baseman/dh Nick Cimillo and left-hander Connor Wietgrefe were named International League Player and Pitcher of the Week. Ronny Simon won the IL batting crown with a .334 average, while right-hander Beau Burrows posted the most saves with a 7-4-14 record, 3.55 ERA, and 62 strikeouts in 66 innings.