Articles

The Pirates’ unheralded bullpen weapon that could be one of their most valuable pitchers in 2026

04 Feb

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

The Pirates’ unheralded bullpen weapon that could be one of their most valuable pitchers in 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen is mostly set for the 2026 campaign. Dennis Santana is returning as the Bucs’ closer, with a strong supporting cast of relievers behind him. However, his...

Exclusive Pirates Fest Interviews with Bucco Bantr: Another Group of Pirates Swing by the Booth

02 Feb

7 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

Exclusive Pirates Fest Interviews with Bucco Bantr: Another Group of Pirates Swing by the Booth

PiratesFest kept the energy high as another group of players stopped by our booth to talk shop, reflect on the offseason, and look ahead to 2026. This round featured Spencer...

The one stat that shows Henry Davis could be on the verge of a breakout in 2026

30 Jan

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

The one stat that shows Henry Davis could be on the verge of a breakout in 2026

When the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Henry Davis first overall in 2021, they were hoping they were getting a future middle of the order slugger. After all, he came out of...

Exclusive Pirates Fest Interviews with Bucco Bantr: Our First Wave of Pirates Hit the Mic

29 Jan

5 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

Exclusive Pirates Fest Interviews with Bucco Bantr: Our First Wave of Pirates Hit the Mic

Pirates Fest marked a big milestone for the Bucco Bantr crew. It was our first wave of interviews, the first time our mics were rolling in a setting like this,...

Andrew McCutchen can still help the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense

29 Jan

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Andrew McCutchen can still help the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense

Many fans want the Pittsburgh Pirates to re-sign Andrew McCutchen (including himself from what it looks like). Cutch is one of the best players in franchise history, and a beloved...

29 Jan

1 Min Read

By Kyler Strickler

Another Pirate Joins the 2026 WBC

Most Pirates fans are likely aware of Paul Skenes’ commitment to the United States 2026 World Baseball Classic team, but another star on the other side of the ball has...

What Bucco Will Join Paul Skenes as a Top 100 Player in 2026?

27 Jan

8 Min Read

By Kyler Strickler

What Bucco Will Join Paul Skenes as a Top 100 Player in 2026?

In what has been an unfortunate trend for several years, only one player on the Pittsburgh Pirates made MLB Network’s Top 100 Players list for 2026. That selection should be...

27 Jan

4 Min Read

By Aaron James Sutch

To Red or Not to Red?

There has always been a looming question in my mind when I think of Pittsburgh Pirates tradition and it involves the team colors. There’s one particular one that I...

Pittsburgh Pirates well represented in MLB Pipeline’s newest prospect rankings

27 Jan

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Pittsburgh Pirates well represented in MLB Pipeline’s newest prospect rankings

MLB Pipeline recently released their first top 100 prospect list of 2026, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are well represented. Their recent rankings list five Pirates prospects, with four among the...

Versatile Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher could serve multiple roles in 2026

26 Jan

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Versatile Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher could serve multiple roles in 2026

Carmen Mlodzinski has worn many hats for the Pittsburgh Pirates since he was called to the Major Leagues in 2023. He has served many roles, including set-up man, multi-inning reliever,...

A look back at Rich Hill’s most memorable performance at PNC Park

26 Jan

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

A look back at Rich Hill’s most memorable performance at PNC Park

Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, Nickeback’s “How You Remind Me”, and Rich Hill’s baseball career all have one thing in common: they all debuted in 2002. Hill’s career has stood the test...

3 Remaining Free Agent Starting Pitchers the Pirates Could Fill-out Their Rotation With

22 Jan

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

3 Remaining Free Agent Starting Pitchers the Pirates Could Fill-out Their Rotation With

The Pittsburgh Pirates usually sign a veteran left-handed starting pitcher to round out their rotation. From Derek Holland in 2020 to Andrew Heaney in 2025, it’s turned into a borderline...

Pirates 2016 Prospect Class: Where Are They Now?

22 Jan

9 Min Read

By Kyler Strickler

Pirates 2016 Prospect Class: Where Are They Now?

Since the calendar flipped to 2026, it has become a trend on social media to post flashbacks to 2016. Whether this is a family picture, a shot of a vacation...

Should the Pirates Take a Shot on These Two Opposite Pitchers

20 Jan

3 Min Read

By Kyler Strickler

Should the Pirates Take a Shot on These Two Opposite Pitchers

Should the Pirates Take a Shot on These Two Opposite Pitchers? The Pirates’ bullpen remains one of the murkiest parts of their roster entering the season. While the organization has...

Ranking the Pittsburgh Pirates third base options

20 Jan

7 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Ranking the Pittsburgh Pirates third base options

Ranking the Pittsburgh Pirates third base options Third base is a potential question mark for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ke’Bryan Hayes once looked like the long-term answer, especially after his 2022...

A new third base trade target for the Pittsburgh Pirates just became available

18 Jan

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

A new third base trade target for the Pittsburgh Pirates just became available

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a potential need at third base. As of right now, their go-to answer at the hot corner is Jared Triolo, however sticking him to one...

Why Duce Gourson Is a Player to Watch After His 2025 Breakout Season

18 Jan

6 Min Read

By Jay Staph

Why Duce Gourson Is a Player to Watch After His 2025 Breakout Season

Prior to the 2025 season, many fans were concerned about the lack of legitimate offensive prospects in the Pirates' minor league system. This was a valid concern, as the club...

A Bucco Bantr Exclusive: Ryan O’Hearn Ready to Grind and Win in Pittsburgh

16 Jan

9 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

A Bucco Bantr Exclusive: Ryan O’Hearn Ready to Grind and Win in Pittsburgh

Ryan O’Hearn’s path to Pittsburgh was shaped by patience, preparation, and a clear understanding of how modern free agency works. In an offseason that moved slower than many players would...

Three minor league performers you won’t find on Baseball America’s top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects list

14 Jan

5 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Three minor league performers you won’t find on Baseball America’s top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects list

Baseball America recently released their top 30 prospect lists for all 30 MLB teams. There aren’t very many surprises on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ list. However, not every top performer made...

13 Jan

5 Min Read

By Kyler Strickler

Current and Former Buccos in the WBC

With the World Baseball Classic around the corner and Spring Training shortly after, it’s time to start getting ready for baseball again. After COVID sadly cancelled the tournament in 2020,...

A potential hidden gem for the Pittsburgh Pirates to pursue

12 Jan

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

A potential hidden gem for the Pittsburgh Pirates to pursue

Ben Cherington has a knack for picking up left-handed starting pitchers from the free agent market to slot into the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation. From Derek Holland in 2020 to Andrew...

Can the Pittsburgh Pirates rely on Jared Triolo at third base in 2026?

07 Jan

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Can the Pittsburgh Pirates rely on Jared Triolo at third base in 2026?

The Pittsburgh Pirates missed out on Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, a corner infielder they were heavily pursuing. While the Pirates could still add a true slugger, like Eugenio Suarez or...

06 Jan

4 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

Bucco Bantr Exclusive with Jake Mangum

Jake Mangum is already settling into the idea of Pittsburgh, and the presence of familiar faces has helped make that transition easier. Seeing Brandon Lowe and Mason Montgomery join the...

Jared Jones is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ biggest X-factor in 2026

05 Jan

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Jared Jones is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ biggest X-factor in 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation is largely set. Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft are safe bets to be the Bucs’ first four starters. Top prospect Hunter Barco...

Just Hear Me Out Paul… 10 Non-Baseball Related Reasons For Paul Skenes to Sign Long Term in Pittsburgh

04 Jan

2 Min Read

By Aaron James Sutch

Just Hear Me Out Paul… 10 Non-Baseball Related Reasons For Paul Skenes to Sign Long Term in Pittsburgh

Just Hear Me Out Paul… 10 Non Baseball Related Reasons For Paul Skenes to Sign Long Term in Pittsburgh By Aaron James Sutch Despite the exciting offseason, we all see...

2 Pirates prospects that could take a Konnor Griffin-esque route to the Major Leagues

02 Jan

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

2 Pirates prospects that could take a Konnor Griffin-esque route to the Major Leagues

Konnor Griffin’s first season in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system was nothing short of spectacular. He turned in a .941 OPS, .437 wOBA, 165 wRC+, and ascended prospect rankings,...

3 Pittsburgh Pirates free agent reunions we would like to see

31 Dec

5 Min Read

By Noah Wright

3 Pittsburgh Pirates free agent reunions we would like to see

3 Pittsburgh Pirates free agent reunions we would like to see The Pittsburgh Pirates have been very active this offseason. It’s a very fresh breath of air for fans who...

Don’t sleep on the other prospect the Pittsburgh Pirates got for Johan Oviedo

31 Dec

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Don’t sleep on the other prospect the Pittsburgh Pirates got for Johan Oviedo

Don’t sleep on the other prospect the Pittsburgh Pirates got for Johan Oviedo When the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Johan Oviedo and two prospects to the Boston Red Sox, the main...

The 2023 Pirates draft pick we hope to see rebound in 2026

29 Dec

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

The 2023 Pirates draft pick we hope to see rebound in 2026

The 2023 Pirates draft pick we hope to see rebound in 2026 The 2023 draft delivered the Pittsburgh Pirates what currently looks like a once-in-a-generation talent with Paul Skenes. They...

28 Dec

4 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

Bucco Bantr Exclusive with Brandon Lowe

For Brandon Lowe, the call that changed everything was one he had never experienced before. After spending his entire career with the Rays, the idea of being traded was unfamiliar...

The Pittsburgh Pirates are finally doing ‘quantity over quality’ right

27 Dec

2 Min Read

By Noah Wright

The Pittsburgh Pirates are finally doing ‘quantity over quality’ right

Most Pittsburgh Pirates fans roll their eyes when they hear the phrase ‘quantity over quality.’ That is usually the code phrase for instead of spending a large sum on one...

Ben Cherington shocks baseball again as Pirates bring in another All-Star

24 Dec

1 Min Read

By Baron Dionis

Ben Cherington shocks baseball again as Pirates bring in another All-Star

Ben Cherington has done it again! In less than a week, the Pirates have brought in another 2025 All-Star player by signing Ryan O’Hearn to a two year deal worth...

Khristian Curtis is Poised for a 2026 Breakout

23 Dec

6 Min Read

By Jay Staph

Khristian Curtis is Poised for a 2026 Breakout

Over the last few years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have molded themselves into one of the best organizations in baseball at pitching development. Seemingly every single season, there’s another pitcher in...

Brandon Lowe finally provides some protection for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ most feared hitter

22 Dec

3 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Brandon Lowe finally provides some protection for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ most feared hitter

Brandon Lowe finally provides some protection for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ most feared hitter The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays, adding a legitimate power threat to...

Pirates add more outfield depth by signing White Soxs' former top prospect

22 Dec

1 Min Read

By Baron Dionis

Pirates add more outfield depth by signing White Soxs' former top prospect

Last week was a very exciting time to be a Pirates fan, acquiring Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Mason Montgomery. Afterwards, Ben Cherington made some comments saying he expects to...

Pirates with a sudden need for another arm this offseason

22 Dec

2 Min Read

By Baron Dionis

Pirates with a sudden need for another arm this offseason

All the hype around the Pirates this offseason has started to become true, as they have just made a deal to acquire Brandon Lowe in a three-team trade. To get...

Pirates DFA two former top prospects to finalize Brandon Lowe trade

20 Dec

1 Min Read

By Baron Dionis

Pirates DFA two former top prospects to finalize Brandon Lowe trade

Early Friday afternoon, the Pirates made a big splash, adding Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Mason Montgomery. They added three major leaguers for just Mike Burrows. That move put the...

Grading the Pittsburgh Pirates return in Brandon Lowe blockbuster trade

19 Dec

4 Min Read

By Noah Wright

Grading the Pittsburgh Pirates return in Brandon Lowe blockbuster trade

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally landed some Major League bats for their line-up, acquiring slugger Brandon Lowe and standout 2025 rookie Jake Mangum, along with flamethrower Mason Montgomery from the Tampa...

Pirates make spectacular splash for All-Star slugger in wild three-team trade

19 Dec

2 Min Read

By Baron Dionis

Pirates make spectacular splash for All-Star slugger in wild three-team trade

It has finally happened! Ben Cherington has made an incredible splash in the trade market, reviving the lineup in Pittsburgh. According to Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal, the Pittsburgh Pirates...

The Pittsburgh Pirates' 9th inning fallback options

19 Dec

4 Min Read

By Noah Wright

The Pittsburgh Pirates' 9th inning fallback options

The Pittsburgh Pirates' 9th inning fallback options Dennis Santana is currently projected to be the Pittsburgh Pirates closer going into 2026. While Santana had an outstanding 2.18 ERA last season,...

Pirates Rumors: MLB insider links Pittsburgh to Silver Slugger DH as options dwindle

18 Dec

2 Min Read

By Baron Dionis

Pirates Rumors: MLB insider links Pittsburgh to Silver Slugger DH as options dwindle

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been an aggressive team this offseason, reportedly targeting some of the top names on the market. The most notable player they were connected to was Kyle...

09 Dec

2 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

PIRATES SIGN LHP GREGORY SOTO

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made another move in this pivotal offseason as they have signed left-handed reliever Gregory Soto to a one-year deal worth $7.75 million. Soto has spent his...

Bucco Breakdown: Jhostnyxon Garcia & Jesus Travieso

08 Dec

2 Min Read

By RJ Henle

Bucco Breakdown: Jhostnyxon Garcia & Jesus Travieso

Earlier this week the Pittsburgh Pirates made their first big splash toward building out their 2026 roster by shipping off hard-throwing and oft-injured right-hander Johan Oviedo, along with minor leaguers...

02 Dec

6 Min Read

By Aaron James Sutch

The 1993-2012 All Losing Streak Team

The 1993-2012 All Losing Streak Team If you’re as big of a fan of the Pirates as I am, you get lots of joy thinking back on the players of...

The Pirates Should Extend Paul Skenes — How Much Will That Cost?

21 Nov

7 Min Read

By Andy Pregler

The Pirates Should Extend Paul Skenes — How Much Will That Cost?

The Pirates Should Extend Paul Skenes — How Much Will That Cost? Paul Skenes won the 2025 National League Cy Young Award unanimously, cementing himself as the best pitcher in...

14 Nov

13 Min Read

By Jay Staph

Bucco Bantr All-MiLB First Team

This season was a whirlwind for the Pittsburgh Pirates and their minor league system. The club opened the year with extensive concerns surrounding their minor league offensive core, as their...

Paul Skenes Brings the Cy Young to Pittsburgh — But He’s Far from Satisfied

14 Nov

1 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

Paul Skenes Brings the Cy Young to Pittsburgh — But He’s Far from Satisfied

When the Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced Paul Skenes as the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner, it didn’t just cap off one of the most dominant seasons...

“Built to Compete: Seth Hernandez on Joining the Pirates and Chasing Greatness”

12 Nov

4 Min Read

By Bryce O'Leary

“Built to Compete: Seth Hernandez on Joining the Pirates and Chasing Greatness”

When Seth Hernandez heard his name called by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, he seemed to know exactly what kind of pitching staff...