Pirates Remain Ranked Low In Major League Baseball Power Rankings

The Pittsburgh Pirates are trending up after a recent hot streak to begin the final stretch of the season.

The Pirates sit at 70-76 after beginning the month of September 7-4. Pittsburgh was in the hunt for a playoff spot for most of the season, but practically dropped out of the race with a poor August performance. This season has still had many bright spots for Pittsburgh including the emergence of star Paul Skenes and the fantastic performance by the starting rotation.

Despite the Pirates’ recent four-game winning streak and positive play in September, Pittsburgh ranks at No. 24 in the league according to ESPN’s most recent power rankings.

“The Pirates’ decision to keep Derek Shelton as their manager next season despite a second-half swoon is probably a good one, as they’ve played to their talent level,” ESPN writes. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be pressure in Pittsburgh early next season considering the team will have one of the best pitchers on the mound from Day 1.”

“Building around Paul Skenes should be the Pirates’ No.1 goal. He can carry a franchise but can’t do it all by himself. A free-agent bat would go a long way to signaling they’re very much interested in winning sooner rather than later.“

Shelton has been with the Pirates for five seasons and the team is 288-404 under Shelton but hasn’t placed higher than fourth in their division. There was playoff hope for some time this season for Pittsburgh and there is still hope to finish .500 or better for the first time in years. Adding a bat would help but the future looks bright with stars like Skenes leading the team.

More MLB: Pirates’ GM ‘Fully Expects’ That Derek Shelton Will Manage Team In 2025